9 Out of 10 Children Not Getting Enough Fiber in Their Diet

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Moms know that fiber is an important part of their children's healthy diets, but what they don't realize is that few kids actually get the daily fiber they need. Nine out of ten children do not get enough fiber in their diet[1], which could contribute to occasional constipation. That's why Kellogg's wants Mom to recognize that her kids' favorite cereals can be an important and tasty source of fiber children need to help keep their tummies happy.

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Occasional constipation is reportedly the cause for almost 5 percent of all pediatric outpatient visits[2]. Making sure your child has enough fiber in their diets may keep their stomachs happy by helping keep everything moving through their digestive systems. And kicking off each morning with a breakfast with fiber helps start kids on their way to getting the recommended amount of fiber, every day.

"Fiber plays a key role in maintaining good health," says registered dietitian Sylvia Melendez-Klinger. "Many people are not getting enough of it and don't realize just how easy it can be to add fiber to the diet. To receive the greatest health benefits, eat a wide variety of fiber foods – cereal can be a great breakfast to start your morning and get you on your way to the recommended daily amount of fiber."

Kellogg's offers more ready-to-eat cereals that are a good source of fiber than any other U.S. food company[3]. Kellogg's Froot Loops, Apple Jacks and Mini-Wheats have between 3-6 grams of fiber per serving, making them a good to excellent source of fiber that kids love.

Melendez-Klinger has provided a few tips to help Mom add fiber to her children's diet:

• Fiber First: Breakfast is the perfect time to sneak fiber into the kids' diets – breakfast cereals like Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats are an excellent source of fiber that kids already love eating. Try adding in a few blueberries on top for that extra fiber punch.
• Increase Hydration!: While fiber is a great way to help keep everything moving through the digestive system, it is important to also increase water intake. By increasing your fiber intake gradually and drinking more water you will allow your body to adapt.
• Make Tasty Treats: Fiber can also help prevent kids from snacking needlessly, filling up on empty calories. When looking for a tasty snack, include foods with a good source of fiber such as Kellogg's Apple Jacks, a handful of almonds and dried fruit, to increase fiber intake.
• Keep It Simple: When shopping for fiber foods that your kids will eat, focus on four main groups – bread, pasta, cereals, fruits and veggies – and try to incorporate a few into every meal. Foods vary in nutrient content so be sure to check the label for fiber content and look for at least 3 grams – a good source.

To learn more about tasty fiber and the benefits of Kellogg's cereal, visit www.LoveYourCereal.com.

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• Click to tweet: 9 out of 10 kids don't get enough fiber in their diet, but @Kelloggs_US offers ready-to-eat cereals that are a good source #loveyourcereal
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About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), we are driven to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter. With 2012 sales of $14.2 billion, Kellogg is the world's leading cereal company; second largest producer of cookies, crackers and savory snacks; and a leading North American frozen foods company.  Every day, our well-loved brands nourish families so they can flourish and thrive. These brands include Kellogg's®, Keebler®, Special K®, Pringles®, Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Kashi®, Cheez-It®, Eggo®, Coco Pops®, Mini-Wheats®, and many more. Because we believe in the power of breakfast, we focus our philanthropic efforts global hunger relief through our Breakfasts for Better Days™ initiative, providing 1 billion servings of cereal and snacks -  more than half of which are breakfast - to children and families in need by the end of 2016. To learn more about our responsible business leadership, foods that delight and how we strive to make a difference in our communities around the world, visit www.kelloggcompany.com.

[1] Moshfegh A, Goldman J, Cleveland L. What We Eat in America, NHANES 2001-2002: Usual Nutrient Intake From Foods as Compared to Dietary Reference Intakes. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2005.
[2] Abi-Hanna A, Lake AM. Constipation and encopresis in childhood. Pediatr Rev. 1998;19:23-30.
[3] Based on a Kellogg audit of national breakfast cereals in June 2011. The data was drawn from label, website and a syndicated database and includes nationally distributed ready-to-eat cereals from Kellogg's, General Mills, Post, Quaker and Malt-O-Meal.

SOURCE Kellogg Company