• General Info
  About Fiber
• Fiber and Your General Health
• Fiber and Disease
• Fiber and Food
• Fiber Supplements
• About the NFC
• Fiber FAQs PDF

Media FAQ

About the NFC

• What is the National Fiber Council?
• Why and when was the NFC created?
• Who sits on the Board?
• How often does the NFC meet?
• How are Board members selected?
• Are the Board members compensated for their work?
• How does the National Fiber Council promote fiber?
• How are educational materials developed?
• Who funds the NFC?
• Are Metamucil and Fibersure (which are marketed by P&G) the reason the NFC was created?
• Does the NFC participate in and/or attend consumer events?
• How can I contact the NFC?
• Are National Fiber Council Board members available for media interviews?

1. What is the National Fiber Council?
   The National Fiber Council is a prominent group of recognized health care professionals, including experts in digestive disease, pharmacy, nutrition and exercise. The NFC was created to serve as a primary resource for information about the benefits of fiber to consumers, media and health care professionals.
2. Why and when was the NFC created?
   The NFC launched in 2004 to address the growing fiber deficit in the United States. The Council exists to raise awareness about the national fiber deficit and to educate Americans about the benefits of dietary fiber, the risks associated with not getting enough fiber in your diet and to offer viable solutions on how to increase daily fiber intake.
3. Who sits on the Board?
   The National Fiber Council is currently comprised of eight active Board members, each a national thought leader in his or her area of study/practice. Board members include:
   
   
   • James W. Anderson, M.D., Chair Professor of Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Kentucky. Dr. Anderson does clinical practice, teaching and research related to weight management, lipids, diabetes and nutrition. He has authored over 350 published studies and directs the University of Kentucky Health Management Resources Weight Management Program. Dr. Anderson founded the Obesity Research Network, a group of academic leaders studying obesity. He is the author of “Dr. Anderson’s High Fiber Fitness Plan.”
   • Pat Baird, Vice-chair, M.A., R.D., F.A.D.A. Ms. Baird is noted for her expertise in the areas of osteoporosis, weight management, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. She is an award-winning author and truly dedicated to the field of nutrition.
   • Rick Davis, P.A. Mr. Davis is a senior physician assistant in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at the University of Florida, College of Medicine in Gainesville. He is especially interested in gastrointestinal motility disorders and has authored more than 40 clinical and research articles.
   • Stefanie Ferreri, PHARM.D., C.D.E. A specialist in nonprescription medication therapy, Dr. Ferreri, is a clinical assistant professor at the School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina. She is a nationally renowned pharmacology speaker and serves as co-director of the UNC's community pharmacy residency program practice. Dr. Ferreri is also a certified diabetes educator.
   • Mary Knudston, DNSc, NP Dr. Knudston is the Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of California Irvine (UCI) and serves as the Division Chief and Director of Clinical Operations for family medicine overseeing all of the clinical practice sites for family medicine at UCI. Her work has been recognized by a variety of organizations, including the Nurse Practioner Journal, North American Menopause Society and the State of California.
   • Ashraf Koraym, M.D. Dr. Koraym is a clinical assistant professor of cardiology at Ohio State University Medical School. With more than 15 years of dedicated research to cardiology and pharmacology, Dr. Koraym is a staunch promoter of heart health.
   • Valerie Waters As US Weekly’s 2002 “Hottest Trainer of the Year,” Ms. Waters is a premiere expert in the fields of fitness and exercise. She works closely with clients such as Jennifer Garner and Jessica Biel to educate them about healthy eating and to devise a well-balanced nutrition plan high in fiber.
   • Christine Williams, M.D., M.P.H. Dr. Williams is vice president and medical director of Healthy Directions, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on promoting child health and nutrition. A board certified pediatrician, she has been a pioneer in developing comprehensive health education programs for children and their families for more than 25 years.
4. How often does the NFC meet?
   The National Fiber Council assembles once a year for an annual meeting. During this time, Board members review the year’s activities, share and present news and studies emerging within their fields and discuss methods to best communicate the benefits of a high-fiber diet to consumers and health care professionals. The result is a diverse group of Board members, each armed with the information necessary to serve as an advocate for high-fiber diets within their professional and academic communities. The Board participates in conference calls and peer article reviews throughout the year.
5. How are Board members selected?
   Board members are selected according to discipline, expertise and interest in fiber. Each Board member is a proven thought leader in his or her field and must be passionate about educating consumers and health care professionals about the importance of dietary fiber.
6. Are the Board members compensated for their work?
   All NFC Board members receive a modest stipend for their important work on the Council. This money helps pay for their time out of the office, research, writing, and outreach to the public and to health care professionals.
7. How does the National Fiber Council promote fiber?
   The National Fiber Council currently hosts a Web site, www.NationalFiberCouncil.org, where consumers and health care professionals can learn about fiber, read the latest news about fiber, get tips and ideas for how to increase their daily fiber intake and take control of their health. The NFC also produces educational materials for consumers and health care professionals and attends medical and professional meetings and exhibitions.
8. How are educational materials developed?
   Educational materials are based on scientific data and the medical expertise and clinical experience of the NFC Board members. Board members participate in the writing, review and approval of each NFC educational piece.
9. Who funds the NFC?
   Procter & Gamble Health Sciences Institute (P&GHSI) is the charter sponsor of the Council. The P&GHSI scientists believe that consumers need to better understand the benefits of a high-fiber diet and the role it plays in their short and long-term health. Other sponsors of the NFC are welcome.
10. Are Metamucil and Fibersure (which are marketed by P&G) the reason the NFC was created?
    No. The NFC is not paid to endorse Metamucil, Fibersure or any other individual fiber supplements. The NFC was created to raise awareness and educate Americans about the benefits of dietary fiber.
11. Does the NFC participate in and/or attend consumer events?
    The NFC attends health fairs and other consumer events when appropriate.
12. How can I contact the NFC?
    To contact the NFC, please visit www.NationalFiberCouncil.org or call 1-866-749-5296.
13. Are National Fiber Council Board members available for media interviews?
    Yes, all National Fiber Council Board members are available for media interviews. To schedule an interview, please contact:
    
    Mavourneen Ryan
    (312) 861-5247
    Mavourneen.Ryan@mslpr.com