Studies looking at the effect of fibres and fibre-rich foods on appetite, energy intake and body weight have had inconsistent results. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials published in 2020 found that intake of viscous fibres such as beta-glucan, psyllium or guar gum can result in modest reductions in body weight, BMI and waist circumference. It was suggested that viscous fibres could affect energy intake as they increase the viscosity of the gut contents, promote gastric distention and slow gastric emptying as well as potential effects on satiety hormones. Government guidelines say our dietary fibre intake should increase to 30g a day, as part of a healthy balanced diet. As most adults are only eating an average of about 20g day, we need to find ways of increasing our intake.

Oat beta-glucan has been shown to lower/reduce blood cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease There’s a huge number of different types of fibre in our food and, in an attempt to simplify them, they are commonly divided into two main groups, soluble and insoluble: The evidence for the links between dietary fibre and health was reviewed in 2015 by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), which found that there is strong evidence that diets rich in fibre, particularly cereal fibre and wholegrains, are associated with a lower risk of many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, coronary events, stroke, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. Information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3g of oat beta-glucan.It's important to get fibre from a variety of sources, as eating too much of one type of food may not provide you with a healthy balanced diet. Soluble – this type of fibre partially dissolves in water and takes on a gel-like appearance. It can be helpful for managing blood sugar, cholesterol levels and for promoting fullness because it slows down stomach emptying. Foods which supply soluble fibres include oats and barley, apples and pears.

Studies suggest that a high intake of dietary fibre reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There is also evidence specifically for higher intakes of cereal fibre and higher wholegrain consumption and lower incidence of type 2 diabetes.

The claim can be used for foods which provide at least 1g of oat beta glucan per quantified portion.

When SACN assessed evidence for the links between fibre and health outcomes, it found a significant reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer at 30g fibre or more per day. This is consistent with authoritative bodies around the world, who typically recommend dietary fibre intake of 25-30g per day for adults. SACN therefore recommended 30g/day as a revised adult intake for adults in the UK. Average intake of UK adults is 20g fibre. Socio-economic disparities exist with lower intakes in the lowest income quintile compared to the highest, in all age groups and in both sexes. For more than 15 years, the international CODEX Alimentarius Commission debated a definition of fibre which was agreed in 2009. The European Commission (EC), in line with discussions at CODEX, agreed a definition for fibre in 2008 which falls under Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers defines fibre as: The gut microbiota develops from birth and early childhood and then tends to remain relatively stable from later childhood to adulthood. The balance of different bacterial species in the gut varies between individuals and can be affected by factors including mode of birth (vaginal or caesarean section), infant feeding, lifestyle, medications, and genetics. There is currently no agreed definition of exactly what makes a ‘healthy’ gut microbiota but having a greater diversity of species is associated with positive effects and certain bacterial strains produce compounds that are associated with health benefits.Children don't need as much fibre in their diet as older teenagers and adults, but they still need more than they get currently: