According to information from the FDA website, under current regulations, “fibers in foods could be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily providing physiological effects that are beneficial to human health.” Naturally occurring fibers, such as those in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have already been recognized for their physiological benefits, making accurate labeling of products containing these ingredients straightforward. Furthermore, seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—currently meet the established dietary fiber criteria.
The FDA is contemplating an expansion of this definition by including an additional 26 types of fiber, such as gum acacia, bamboo fiber, pea fiber, soluble corn fiber, soy fiber, and xanthan gum. This change would allow more products to make dietary fiber claims. As reported by FoodNavigator, ADM has expressed concerns to the FDA regarding the lack of response to numerous citizen petitions on dietary fiber, the absence of an updated Scientific Review, and the failure to provide final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they use in their products will still qualify as dietary fibers.
Moreover, ADM pointed out that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led to the removal of dietary fibers from products for companies eager to comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the deadline. This is significant, as FoodNavigator cites the Grocery Manufacturers of America stating that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling. The delay primarily stems from the requirement that before a substance can receive FDA approval, it must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect on human health.” In simpler terms, this means that it should contribute to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved bowel function, or enhanced mineral absorption in the intestinal tract. Many consumers are looking to manage these health issues by choosing healthier foods, including those with functional benefits like calcitrate vitamin D.
According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, nearly all consumers—96%—actively seek health benefits from their food and beverages, with the most sought-after benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, the survey revealed that only 45% of consumers could identify a specific food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the necessity for a favorable ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products, as well as label these items correctly for consumer benefit.
While there is still time to update labels, it is prudent for manufacturers to expedite this process. After all, having more time to implement new labels allows manufacturers to gauge consumer reactions and experiment with new ideas and formulations. The sooner the new label appears on products, the more aligned they may seem with the growing trend of transparency among consumers. Additionally, as awareness around nutrients like calcitrate vitamin D increases, ensuring that dietary fibers are accurately represented will further empower consumers to make informed choices about their health.