Fiber deficiency is not just a problem for adults. In fact, children also experience this problem. A study conducted in 2018 even mentioned that 9 out of 10 children experience fiber deficiency. 

These children only consume an average of 4.7 grams of fiber per day. Far from the amount recommended by the Ministry of Health: 16 grams per day for children aged 1-3 years old. 22 grams for children aged 4-6 years. 26 grams for children aged 7-9 years old, and 30 grams for those aged 10-12 years old. 

This is not something to be taken lightly, as fiber deficiency can trigger many health problems. The most common problem it causes is constipation.  

Fiber is important to increase the size and weight of feces in the intestines and make it softer. That way, the stool is easier to move through the gastrointestinal tract and then get removed from the body. 

The dangers of fiber deficiency in children 

Children who don’t meet their fiber needs are also prone to getting more health issues like: 

1. Obesity  

With regular bowel movements, it’s easier for children to keep their ideal weight. Then it’s easier for them to avoid obesity and the dangerous diseases that follow. Such as coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and others. 

2. Digestive diseases 

Fiber, especially soluble fiber, serves as prebiotics or as a source of food for millions of good bacteria in the gut. These bacteria need a sufficient amount of prebiotics to grow, multiply, and maintain digestive health. 

Healthy digestion doesn’t only lead to healthy bowel movements. It also helps prevent children from developing more serious digestive diseases. Such as diarrhea, GERD, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. 

Read More : 5 Ways to Process Vegetables for a Tasty and Healthy Diet

3. Decreased immune system 

70-80% of the immune system is found in the gastrointestinal tract. So healthy digestion also impacts the immune system. Adequate fiber will positively affect gut health, and eventually boost the immune system.

4. Potential for type 2 diabetes 

Fiber can also prevent blood sugar spike by inhibiting the absorption of sugar from the food consumed.  

Stable blood sugar doesn’t only reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It also means that energy will be released more consistently throughout the day, so children will be more energetic all the time. There will be no drastic drops in blood sugar to cause them to suddenly feel sleepy and exhausted. 

Avoid the bad effects of fiber deficiency with FiberCreme 

Keep your children from the bad effects of fiber deficiency by getting them used to eating fruits and vegetables from an early age. Also get a fiber boost from FiberCreme, a versatile powder with a delicious creamy taste. 

 FiberCreme is made from oligosaccharide fiber extracted from cassava and processed with healthy coconut oil. FiberCreme is a great alternative to coconut milk, dairy milk, cooking cream, or creamer. With FiberCreme you can turn healthy ingredients that kids usually hate, into a delicious dish that they will definitely love.

Looking for an idea on what to make with FiberCreme? Find inspiration for delicious and high-fiber dishes on @FiberCreme_TV! You can also find other benefits of FiberCreme by clicking here.