Dietary fibre could soon receive a long-overdue promotion. 

Otago University researchers want it recognised internationally as an essential nutrient, as it's proven to lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

But New Zealanders average just 20 grams a day – below World Health Organisation guidelines. 

Professor of Medicine and Human Nutrition, Sir Jim Mann told Mike Hosking that classifying it as an essential nutrient changes the emphasis it’s given in nutritional recommendations. 

He says it would encourage people that sell and prepare food to increase the amount of dietary fibre in their products.

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