Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" - Fiber Pills


These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

Fiber Pills
Question: I'm 27, male, healthy with no genetic history of GI problems. I've decided to take fiber pills as preventative medicine. I just started taking 2, 500mg pills with water once per day. I heard one doctor suggest that males over the age of 12 should follow this regimen to prevent GI problems in the future. Is this true? Is there any reason not to take the pills?

Answer: It may decrease colon cancer and probably helps moderate glucose absorption(often used in diabetic diets for example.) However, I would work on dietary fiber rather than supplements. Use whole grain bread and vegetables. It is likely that the antioxidants in these foods are more helpful than the fiber. The fiber will be an additional plus.

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Last modified August 12, 1997