The Dangers of Fiber Supplements

Fiber is well known for helping to maintain the health of the digestive system and regular elimination. With the combination of poor eating habits and the popularization of colon cleanses, many people are opting for fiber supplements hoping to alleviate constipation, lose weight and eliminate toxins. Unfortunately, some people may experience unpleasant reactions or side effects from taking fiber supplements. Here are some facts to consider before supplementing with fiber.

Interactions with Drugs

• According to the Linus Pauling Institute, fiber can slow absorption or interfere with medications. Commonly known drugs to have poor absorption or interactions with fiber include lithium, penicillin, warfarin, digoxin, statins, acetaminophen, bumetanide, metformin, glyburide, clindamycin, tricyclic antidepressants, diabetes medications, carbamazepine and tetracycline. If you take any medications, consult your doctor about any possible interactions with fiber. It may be possible to still take fiber supplements, just at different times of the day.

Nutrient Absorption

• The fibers pectin and guar gum may interfere with the absorption of lutein, beta-cartene, lycopene and other carotenoids. If you are supplementing carotenoids, it would be advantageous to take them apart from fiber supplements or meals that contain guar gum and pectin. Alternatively, the fibers oligofructose and inulin may increase absorption of calcium.

Gas and Bloating

• The most common side effect from supplementing with fiber is the discomfort of gas, cramping and bloating. This most often occurs when the amount of fiber taken on a daily basis is increased suddenly. A lack of adequate water also contributes to the development of these side effects. Some fibers, like guar gum, psyllium, fructooligosaccharides, oligofructose and polydextrose, are more prone to cause intestinal discomfort.

Intestinal Obstruction

• On rare occasions, fiber supplements have caused intestinal blockages. These cases were often associated with inadequate intake of fluids, poor intestinal motility and difficulty swallowing. Fiber typically swells and without adequate water, a blockage can occur. Constricted sections of the esophagus or intestinal tract can also cause motility problems and blockages with fiber supplementation.

Allergic Reactions

• Long-term use of fiber supplements can, very rarely, result in the development of an allergy to the fiber. Additionally, certain fiber supplements that include chitin or chitosan can cause an allergic reaction in people with shellfish allergies. Allergies from fiber and shellfish can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Precancerous Polyps

• According to the Linus Pauling Institute, a study found that patients with a previous history of precancerous polyps, colorectal adenomas, were more likely to have recurrences when they supplemented with psyllium fiber. The patients had been taking the psyllium supplement for three years at 3.5 g/day.