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The relationship between dietary fibre intake and the onset of gastrointestinal diseases, investigated using the food-frequency methodology helps in evaluating the suitability of the questionnaire in classifying individuals into percentiles according to the dietary fibre intake. The importance of methodological validity and nutritional evaluations are addressed. The food frequency methodology and the questionnaire design are described.

A study of dietary intake of fibers in Italy, from 1981 to 1990, shows an increased preference for higher dietary intake of fiber by the average Italians. Per capita dietary intake of fiber of Italians was 25 grams in 1990, which is the minimum specified level of fiber intake at the international level. There is a marked increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whereas only partial increase was seen in cereals consumption. Effects of increase in fiber intake on carbohydrates intake are discussed.