A new study led by Ohio State University researchers found that most Americans don’t follow national dietary guidelines for cancer prevention.

Between 63 to 73 percent of the more than 30,000 participants fell short of the recommended daily intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while roughly 90 percent of respondents failed to meet the recommended daily amount of fiber (30 grams), the research found.

“It almost appears as if many Americans believe that if they can’t follow all of the recommendations, why should they adhere to any of them,” Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences associate professor of medical dietetics Colleen Spees said in prepared remarks.

The study’s senior author, Spees explained that’s not how these cancer-prevention guidelines work.

“(They) don’t have to be so prescriptive,” she said. “Even little changes in behavior can have a huge impact. For instance, reducing added sugars can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy-weight status over time.”

Citing the guidelines and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2020-25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans she said most adults are eating a suboptimal dietary pattern when it comes to nutrition-related disease prevention.

“We’re looking at individuals to move toward a primarily plant-based type of dietary pattern rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans, peas, lentils, seeds and nuts – and cutting back on saturated fats and sodium,” Spees said. “Modifying our current dietary and physical activity patterns to better align with these evidence-based guidelines over time is important to reduce the risk of noncommunicable disease and promote lifelong health and wellness.

“If Americans adopt these recommendations, they can reduce their risk of obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke and high blood pressure.”

Published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which collects health information of about 5,000 U.S. individuals each year through interviews, laboratory tests and physical exams. The study sample included 30,888 adults ages 18 and older.

Researchers analyzed data from 24-hour dietary recalls participants as well as their BMI, a press release noted.

Nearly 70 percent of participants were classified as overweight or obese. Participants designated as obese were significantly less likely than others to meet recommended intakes of fiber, fruit, non-starchy vegetables and whole grains, the study revealed.

Also, obese adults were more likely to exceed the recommended 18 ounces per week of red meat and to have consumed fast food on the day of survey participation.

The study found that on average all groups consumed more added sugars than the recommended maximum of less than 10 percent of overall daily calories.

Spees credited the USDA and cancer-prevention agency guidelines as being the most reliable sources for health recommendations and how to incorporate them into daily life.

She said meeting some of the guidelines is far better than disregarding expert advice altogether.

“Most Americans, regardless of weight status, have much to improve when it comes to dietary patterns,” she said.

Study co-authors include Ohio State researchers Madisyn Good, Ashlea Braun and Christopher Taylor.