Healthy ageing — why do we need fibre?

SPC Care
Wednesday, 25 October, 2017

When it comes to healthy ageing and nutrition, adequate fibre consumption is often overlooked.

Sufficient consumption of fibre allows for a functional digestive system while also contributing to other major body processes such as the stabilisation of glucose and cholesterol levels. Despite dietary fibre being found in everyday foods, most elderly people simply don’t consume enough. Inadequate fibre consumption can cause major health issues so it’s important that it’s considered when meal planning for patients or residents in aged care facilities.

“Individuals need 25–30 g of fibre in their diet a day, and its concerning to see just how many people are not getting their recommended daily dose of fibre,” said Denise Burbidge, Accredited Practising Dietitian & Nutritionist, The Food Clinic.

“I see so many people who are struggling to eat their core foods — like fruits, vegetables and wholegrains. If people aren’t eating the right fibre rich foods, their body will experience a range of health complications.”

SPC ProVital Fibre Right is specifically formulated to provide a good source of fibre, with at least 5 g in each serve and is a delicious and nutritious meal accompaniment or snack. Available in Apple & Prune smooth fruit puree, Fibre Right is suitable for Texture C diets, and the easy-open portion controlled packaging also assists those with mobility issues.

Dijana Dragicevich, Senior Speech Pathologist at the Royal North Shore Hospital said, “It’s so important that modifications to textures and flavours are made to products, especially for those with eating, speaking and mobility issues like dysphagia.”

A recent study of 400 patients conducted at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney revealed 7 out of 10 patients stated that the SPC ProVital Fibre Right fruit range taste and texture was either very good or excellent.

Key features of SPC’s ProVital Fibre Right range include: