Estimation of per capita crude and dietary fiber supply in 38 countries.

Per capita availability of crude and dietary fiber was estimated from 1972-74 FAO Food Disappearance Tables and factors derived from data on the fiber composition of foods. Total dietary and crude fiber, as well as dietary fiber from total cereals, wheat, rice, maize, other cereals, roots and tubers, pulses, vegetables, and fruits, was calculated for 38 countries. Total dietary fiber correlated highly with total crude fiber (r = 0.92). Cereals were the major source of fiber for most countries. With a few exceptions the estimated total dietary fiber and dietary fiber from cereals appear to be in reasonable agreement with other values obtained by a variety of methods for a number of developed countries. The reasons for some of the discrepancies found and the need for additional, more precise information on dietary fiber intake are discussed.