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Date

2025

Abstract

More than 90% of the US population does not meet the recommended dietary fiber intake goal of 25-30g per day. Dietary fiber is an essential component of a well-rounded diet and is associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Further, dietary fiber is linked with a reduced risk for colon cancer and has been found to alleviate constipation. Regionally, in Newport, VT, rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity among youth (grades 9-12), and T2DM were significantly higher when compared to the state average. This project aims to inform the community about the importance of incorporating fiber in their diet. Two individuals were interviewed in the Newport community and described the need for more information regarding dietary fiber. A tri-fold pamphlet was created to highlight the role of fiber in the body, how much fiber should be consumed daily, types of food sources rich in fiber, and price breakdowns of non-traditional fiber sources from local supermarkets. The results of this intervention have not been shown. With social determinants of health in mind, the desired outcome is for members of the community to become more conscientious about their diet and the role of dietary fiber in optimizing health outcomes.

Clinical Site

Blue Spruce Health, Newport, VT

Keywords

dietary fiber, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, constipation, health, Newport

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Disciplines

Medical Education | Primary Care

Dietary Fiber as a Means of Optimizing Health

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