The recommendation for daily fiber intake is 25 to 35 g of fiber for adults and children. Fiber has been shown to decrease risks associated with heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. Although many foods consumed in a typical diet already contain fiber, supplements have become a popular means of increasing fiber intake. Fiber supplements are generally safe, but the possibility of adverse effects does exist. Consult a physician before using any fiber supplements.
How Fiber Works
Fiber is mostly indigestible and remains in the intestine, where it has absorptive and bulk-forming properties. Fiber is capable of binding water, nutrients, fats and even certain drugs. Although the characteristics of fiber are beneficial for many health conditions, the properties may also have a negative impact under certain circumstances. In the typical diet, fiber can be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and bran.
Bloating
Fiber is mostly indigestible but it can undergo chemical fermentation processes that release gas, causing symptoms such as cramping and bloating. Excess gas can cause extreme discomfort and abdominal cramping. Fiber supplements that are chemically modified help to prevent bloating symptoms.
Bowel Obstruction
Fiber adds mass and bulk during stool formation by clumping together. Bulk formation can cause harmful effects such as intestinal obstruction. Fiber-induced bowel obstruction can exacerbate intestinal conditions already at risk for obstruction including tumors, lesions, structural deformities or inactive bowel. Severe obstructions may require surgical intervention.
Allergies
Many available fiber supplements are derived from psyllium husks. Psyllium has been implicated in causing allergic reactions in susceptible patients and health care workers. Minor cases involve sneezing, coughing and wheezing, while more severe cases involve anaphylactic reactions requiring urgent medical care. Aside from consumption, psyllium often comes in a powdered form that can be easily dispersed, triggering reactions in bystanders who are allergic to psyllium.
Medication Interactions
Fiber has binding properties that are capable of interacting with medications, preventing them from being absorbed into the body. This is increasingly important for medications that are used to treat life-threatening health conditions or medications with narrow dosing ranges. Always consult a physician before taking fiber supplements if you are on prescription medications.
Regulation
Fiber supplements are available over the counter and are not as heavily regulated by the FDA as prescription medications. Although many of the larger manufacturers of fiber supplements likely have quality control measures, the purity and quality of fiber supplements from smaller manufacturers could be suspect.
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