70% Indians Fall Short on Daily Fibre Intake

With gap being more serious in women; 74% women reported inadequate fibre intake compared to 64% men

Findings from Aashirvaad Multigrains Happy Tummy Survey

India, May 30, 2025: On the occasion of the World Digestive Day, Aashirvaad Happy Tummy platform released an insightful analysis of the nation’s digestive health based on the responses provided by over 8 lakh people. The results included over 1.27 lakh respondents from Fiber Meter and over 7.4 lakh from Digestive Quotient on Happy Tummy. Aashirvaad Happy Tummy is an online platform by Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrains, which serves as a comprehensive guide focused on digestive health and fibre intake.

The Fiber Meter report revealed that 70% Indians who responded to the survey, did not consume the recommended daily fibre intake. The gap is wider among women, with 74% reporting inadequate fibre intake compared to 64% among men, highlighting that majority of people missed upon an important component of digestive health. Research links low fibre intake to common digestive issues such as constipation and chronic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Highlighting the importance of Digestive health, Dr. B S Ramakrishna, Director & Senior Consultant -Medical Gastroenterology, SRM Institutes for Medical Science, Chennai stated “The central role of the digestive system and the gut microbiota in development and perpetuation of many chronic diseases is now well appreciated. Scientific evidence consistently highlights the role of dietary fibre—particularly from whole grains and multigrain sources—in supporting gut microbiota diversity and enhancing overall digestive health. On World Digestive Health Day 2025, with the theme Nourish to Flourish, it is imperative to promote fibre-rich diets as a cornerstone of preventive health strategies to address the dual burden of undernutrition and non-communicable diseases.”

Mr. Anuj Rustagi, Chief Operating Officer – Staples and Adjacencies, ITC Foods, said, “Fibre is foundational pillar for our digestive health and yet daily diets of a majority don’t reflect this priority. With most people underestimating the role of fibre, which acts like a natural panacea for the digestive system. The survey demonstrates a serious fibre gap in Indian diets, which merits urgent correction. Simple shifts—like including multigrains, vegetables, fruits, and adequate water—can go a long way in improving gut health.”

Talking on the importance of Diet & Digestive health, Ms. Anita Jatana, Chief Dietician at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital Delhi said “Increase in prevalence of digestive health issues is mostly due to poor dietary and lifestyle habits. Consuming a diverse array of fiber-rich foods, particularly whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables are essential for promoting optimal digestive health. These foods are also naturally rich in essential micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that contribute to overall physiological well-being. Multigrains like whole grain wheat flour, oats and millets must be incorporated in daily diet instead of refined grains. Complementing balanced diet with adequate proteins, healthy fats, essential vitamins and minerals and fiber intake with proper sleep, hydration, physical activity and relaxation supports digestive health.”

These findings are based on analysis of self-reported responses submitted between 2021– early 2025 on Aashirvaad Happy Tummy platform, with respondents from across India.