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Fiber supplements: Safe to take every day?

content provided by mayoclinic.com

Fiber supplements: Safe to take every day?

Question

Is there any harm in using fiber supplements for long periods?

Vincent
New York

Answer

There's no evidence that long-term use of fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, Konsyl or Citrucel, is harmful. Doctors may recommend that people with certain digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation, take fiber supplements indefinitely.

Be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids every day if you take fiber supplements. Fiber tends to absorb water. If your fluid intake is low and you increase fiber in your diet, stool can become hard — making constipation worse.

Last Updated: 04/18/2005
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