(BETHESDA, MD) March 26, 2014 - The nutritional beauty of the white potato is more than skin deep, especially when it comes to dietary fiber, according to Maureen Storey, PhD, president and CEO of the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE). A new data analysis by APRE shows that white potato consumption is positively associated with the intake of this shortfall nutrient among children and adults.

"There is a perception that the dietary fiber in the potato is only in the skin," Storey told more than 100 attendees of the 10th Vahouny Dietary Fiber Symposium in Bethesda, MD. "Not true. Although the skin is an excellent source of dietary fiber, it is also found in the flesh of the potato, which is a good source by itself."

Most Americans get only about half of the recommended adequate intake (AI) of dietary fiber. In addition, starchy vegetable and potato consumption is about half of what is recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

"Potatoes, including French fried potatoes, are a significant source of nutrients to increase, such as dietary fiber," said Storey. "In the food supply, potatoes provide more than 6% of dietary fiber to adults and almost 7% to children, while providing only 3% of total energy. This suggests that white potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable that compares favorably with the energy provided."

In her presentation, "The White Potato: An Important, Under-Consumed Source of Dietary Fiber in the American Diet," Storey highlighted key findings from a new APRE multivariate regression analysis (MRA) showing the association between white potato consumption and dietary fiber intake.

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