Fiber supplements and fortified foods

In general, whole foods are better for you than fiber supplements. Fiber supplements don't provide the variety of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other healthful nutrients that whole foods do.

Your healthcare professional may recommend a fiber supplement if diet changes don't add enough fiber to your diet or if you have certain health conditions. These include conditions that affect the intestines such as constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Check with your healthcare professional before taking fiber supplements. These supplements include psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others), methylcellulose (Citrucel) and calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon).

Another way to get more fiber is to eat food products that have fiber added to them by foodmakers. Some added fiber comes from plant sources such as bran, husks or roots that have been processed. Other types of added fiber are made in a lab. Added fiber ingredients that you might see on food labels include chicory root, cellulose and pectin. Some people say they get gas after eating foods with added fiber.