Who should take fiber supplements?

Anyone who does not get enough fiber through their diet may benefit from using fiber supplements. These supplements should be taken by people with constipation, fissures, itching, hemorrhoids, or other common rectal, anal, or colon problems. They may also aid people who are overweight, have heart disease, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Ask your doctor if taking fiber supplements is a good choice for you.

People who do not consume enough dietary fiber (20 - 30 grams/day) should consider taking a fiber supplement. Unfortunately most Americans do not consume enough fiber. To eat this much fiber daily you likely need to make sure you're eating at least 5 - 6 servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains daily. If you don't eat this much fiber in your diet, you may want to discuss taking a fiber supplement with your physician. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or gastrointestinal problems, you may benefit even more from a high fiber diet.