2026 Spring Symposium Meal Session: Fiber Decoded: Understanding Fiber Types, Health Benefits and Real Food Solutions to Close the Fiber Gap
This session explores the role of dietary fiber in supporting overall health, examining key fiber types, their food sources, and the science supporting their unique health benefits. Participants will examine why the fiber intake gap persists and gain practical strategies to help close the gap using everyday foods within realistic eating patterns.
Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, nutrition professionals will better be able to:
- Identify at least three health benefits associated with dietary patterns rich in fiber
- Differentiate key types of dietary fiber, where they are found in the food supply, and their unique roles in supporting health outcomes
- Recognize key gaps in current consumer understanding of dietary fiber, and describe how those gaps may influence food choices, perceptions, and fiber intake
- Apply practical strategies to increase fiber intake to support overall health using affordable, everyday foods.
Additional Information

Sarah Ludmer, RD, brings over 20 years of commercial and clinical experience into her role as Chief Wellbeing and Sustainable Business Officer for WK Kellogg Co. She joined Kellogg Company in February 2014 and held several roles in Nutrition, Wellbeing and Regulatory, combining her passion for public health and love of consumers to unlock growth. In this capacity, she ensured strategic outcomes and helped brands positively impact both people and the planet while meeting the needs of their diverse range of consumers.
Before joining Kellogg, Ms. Ludmer spent 5 years with Del Monte Foods in the research and quality team supporting both nutrition and regulatory for pet and consumer goods. Prior to that, she spent 10 years in clinical practice building a strong foundation in nutrition and public health.
She holds a BS degree in Nutrition from Pennsylvania State University, completed her dietetic internship at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and is a Registered Dietitian.

Jessica Smith, PhD, is a food industry leader with a strong background in nutrition science, communications, and policy. She joined WK Kellogg Co in 2025 and is responsible for setting the scientific research strategy to unlock short- and long-term category opportunities, innovation, and claims.
Before joining WK Kellogg Co, she was a Senior Principal Nutrition Scientist at Mars where she led external engagement, nutrition-focused innovation, and nutrition regulatory advocacy for the North America region, including serving in leadership and board positions with external science and policy organizations and trade associations. Prior to that, she spent 6 years at General Mills where she led the in-house nutrition research team, led nutrition science communication strategy, and supported regulatory advocacy.
Jessica holds a PhD in Physiology and Endocrinology from Université Laval, a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from McGill University, and a Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition from Western University.
Disclosures:
Sarah Ludmer, RD, has the following disclosures to report: she is an employee of WK Kellogg Co.
Jessica Smith, PhD, has the following disclosures to report: she is an employee of WK Kellogg Co.
Fiber Decoded: Understanding Fiber Types, Health Benefits and Real Food Solutions to Close the Fiber Gap awards 1.0 CPEU in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program.
The responsible provider for this activity is WK Kellogg Co.
Funding from non-CPE revenue for CPE planning, development, review, and/or presentation has been provided by WK Kellogg Co.
Fiber Decoded: Understanding Fiber Types, Health Benefits and Real Food Solutions to Close the Fiber Gap awards 1.0 CPEU in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program.
The responsible provider for this activity is WK Kellogg Co.
Funding from non-CPE revenue for CPE planning, development, review, and/or presentation has been provided by WK Kellogg Co.
Available Credit
- 1.00 CDR

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