Under current regulations, fibers in food can be labeled as dietary fiber even if they do not provide physiological benefits to human health, as noted by informatiferrous gluconate green tablets on a website. Naturally occurring fibers, such as those present in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are recognized for their health benefits, making the accurate labeling of products with these ingredients straightforward. Furthermore, seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—currently align with existing dietary fiber guidelines. The FDA is now contemplating an expansion of this definition by incorporating an additional 26 types of fiber, including gum acacia, bamboo fiber, pea fiber, soluble corn fiber, soy fiber, and xanthan gum, which would allow more products to make dietary fiber claims.
According to FoodNavigator, ADM has expressed concerns to the FDA, stating that “the agency has not responded to numerous citizen petitions regarding dietary fiber, nor has it released its updated Scientific Review or final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they have been using in their products can still be classified as dietary fibers.” ADM further mentioned that this delay limits dietary fiber options and has even led some companies to remove dietary fibers from their products in an effort to comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the deadline. This issue is significant, as the Grocery Manufacturers of America reports that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling.
The delay largely stems from the requirement that a substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect on human health” before receiving FDA approval. In simpler terms, this means contributing to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, improving bowel function, or enhancing mineral absorption in the intestines. Many consumers are looking to improve these health conditions through healthier food choices, including those containing functional benefits such as calcium citrate malate, folic acid, and vitamin D3 tablets.
The International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey revealed that nearly all consumers—96%—are in search of health benefits from their food and beverages, with the most desired benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, only 45% of consumers could identify a single food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the critical need for a satisfactory ruling from the FDA, which would empower food manufacturers to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products and label them appropriately for consumer benefit.
While there is still time to modify labels, it is in manufacturers’ best interest to act swiftly. More time to implement the label means manufacturers can better understand consumer preferences and test new ideas and formulations. Moreover, the earlier the new label appears on products, the more aligned it may seem with the growing trend toward transparency, especially for items like calcium citrate malate, folic acid, and vitamin D3 tablets, which consumers increasingly seek for their health benefits.