Lay opinion vs evidence: Ballaststoffe Alltag

Fiber is a classic example of the gap between lay opinion and scientific evidence. Many people believe that more fiber is always better, but the evidence is more nuanced. Fiber promotes gut health by acting as a prebiotic and supporting microbiome diversity. However, not everyone responds the same: in irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, certain fibers (e.g., wheat bran) can worsen symptoms. The recommended intake is 30 g/day, but most Germans only reach about 20 g. Gradual increase and adequate fluid intake are important. The evidence for general health benefits (cardiovascular, diabetes prevention) is strong, but individual tolerance varies. The provided context does not contain specific studies on fiber, so this answer is based on general scientific consensus.