Fiber has a number of health benefits, including regulating blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, relieving or preventing constipation, preventing intestinal cancer and helping you maintain your weight. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends about 20 g to 35 g of fiber per day, some people have difficulty consuming this amount through food alone. While fiber supplements may help people meet their fiber requirements, these supplements may negatively affect the effectiveness of certain medications.
Fiber Interactions
Fiber can affect a number of types of prescription medications, including antidepressants, statins, bile acid sequestrants and anti-diabetic medications. Specific medications may also be affected by fiber supplements. These medications include carbamazepine, digoxin, lithium and penicillin. Do not use a fiber supplement if you are taking any of these medications without the approval of your doctor.
Effects
Fiber supplements can decrease the absorption certain medications, which can reduce the medication’s effectiveness. Some medications may be absorbed quickly, so taking a medication at a different time of day than your fiber supplement may be sufficient to prevent this issue. Other medications are released slowly into the bloodstream over the course of several hours or more. For these medications, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage of these medications or that you avoid fiber supplements entirely.
Dietary Fiber
If you are concerned about a fiber supplement interacting with your medication, consider increasing the amount of fiber you consume through food instead of taking a supplement. Although dietary fiber may still reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, such as antidepressants, it may not affect other medications as much as supplements. Good dietary sources of fiber include whole grain products, whole brain, nuts, carrots, corn, grapes, berries and the peels of pears and apples.
Considerations
If your doctor gives you her approval in taking fiber supplements while taking your prescription medication, it may be best to start slowly. Begin taking the minimum dosage and gradually increase to the recommended dosage. This will help you prevent certain complications from the fiber supplements, such as gas, cramping, bloating and constipation. In addition, it may be useful to increase the amount of fluid you consume while taking fiber supplements to prevent constipation.
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