Recommendations for adult dietary fiber intake vary from country to country,
and depend upon the type of normally consumed diets; however, recommended levels
generally fall in the range of 20 to 35 g/day. Attempts have been made to define
recommended dietary fiber intakes for children and adolescents. Although based on
limited clinical data, the recommendation for children older than 2 years old
is to increase dietary fiber intake to an amount equal to or greater than their age
plus 5 g/day and to achieve intakes of 25 to 35 g/day after age 20 years (40). Specific
recommendations for the elderly have not been published, although a safe
Fac. of Grad. Studies, Mahidol Univ. M.Sc.(Food and Nutrition for Development) / 15
recommendation would encourage intakes of 10 to 13 g/1,000 kcal. Furthermore,
all recommendations need to recognize the importance of adequate fluid intake,
and caution should be used when recommending fiber to those with gastrointestinal
diseases, including constipation. According to Thai Recommended Daily Intake
(Thai RDI) based on a 2,000 kcal/day intake, healthy Thais older than 6 years of age
should consume 25 g/day of fiber from mixed sources of both soluble and insoluble
dietary fiber.