Fiber supplements: Are they safe to take every day?
I need more fiber in my diet, but I find it difficult to eat the required amounts of fruits and vegetables. Is there any harm in taking a fiber supplement every day instead?
- Vincent / New York
Answer
There's no evidence that long-term use of fiber supplements — such as Metamucil, Konsyl or Citrucel — is harmful. Doctors often recommend daily fiber supplements for people with certain digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel or chronic constipation.
Fiber supplements make stool soft, which can ease constipation. If you take fiber supplements, be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids every day. Otherwise fiber supplements can actually make your constipation worse. Also, add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas.
If you have intestinal problems, consult your doctor before adding a fiber supplement to your diet. Also, ask your doctor or a pharmacist whether a fiber supplement may interact with any medications you take. Fiber supplements can decrease the absorption of certain medications, such as aspirin, warfarin and carbamazepine. Fiber supplements can also reduce blood sugar levels, which may require an adjustment in your insulin dosage if you have diabetes.
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