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<p>Currently in the United Kingdom, there is no agreed definition for wholegrain or wholegrain foods. Therefore, wholegrain consumption cannot be monitored in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS). At the horizon scan meeting in June 2022, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) agreed that it would be useful to consider a definition for wholegrain and added it to its future work programme, aiming to start later in 2023, as resources allow.</p><p> </p><p>There is a specific Government recommendation for dietary fibre and this is monitored in the NDNS. SACN’s Carbohydrates and Health Report (2015) found that there was strong evidence on dietary fibre and positive health outcomes, but for wholegrains and health outcomes the evidence was mixed and SACN has questioned whether any beneficial effect from wholegrain may be due to the fibre content. Fibre is found in a range of foods and is not exclusive to wholegrain foods. Based on SACN’s findings, the Government recommends that adults consume 30 grams of dietary fibre each day and that this should be achieved through a variety of food sources.</p><p> </p><p>Government dietary advice, as depicted by the UK’s national food model, the Eatwell Guide, is that we should choose wholegrain or higher fibre versions of starchy carbohydrates wherever possible. This advice aims to increase population intakes of fibre. The Government continues to promote the Eatwell Guide principles through a variety of channels, including the NHS.UK website and our social marketing campaigns, Better Health and Healthier Families.</p> |