QuestionHello,
I take psyllium husk fiber pills (4 AM, 4 afternoon, 4 PM) because even though I eat a healthy diet, I need all that fiber to have a bm. Maybe I was chronically constipated for 30 years? My question is - I take the fiber with food - can it be washing the nutrients out of my system? Thanks for your time.
AnswerI have a couple of concerns, then I will answer your question. First of all, I am wondering if you have spoken with your doctor about your GI problems? You really shouldn't need large amounts of fiber supplementation to have a bm so there may be a medical reason. The intestine muscles may be weakened due to past laxative use, chronic constipation (as you mentioned), lack of physical activity, or perhaps a more serious disease that causes muscle deteriation. Weakened intestine muscles can also put you at greater risk for diverticulosis (pouches which form in the colon and large intestine which can become infected as diverticulitis), which you should speak with your doctor about. My second concern is that you are making sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, with the fiber supplementation so everything keeps flowing smoothly.
In answer to your question about nutrients, studies have shown it is possible nutrient absorption could be affected by a large fiber intake. However, this is most common when fiber intake so large stools are loose or too frequent (1-3 bowel movements daily is common and most likely healthy). The most common deficiency connected with fiber is iron. The body recycles iron, so you are more likely to become deficient if you still have a menstrual cycle. Consuming vitamin C (orange juice, tomatoes, etc) with iron (meat, beans, leafy greens) will help increase absorption. A large fiber intake may also affect calcium absorption, so having good calcium intake (from dairy and leafy greens) is important. Some studies suggest zinc, copper, and magnesium absorption may also be affected; if a multivitamin would not interfere with any medications, you may find one beneficial. Your multivitamin should contain no more than 100% Daily Value of any one nutrient, should definitely contain calcium, and should only contain iron if you are still menstruating or are deficient.
I hope that answers your question about nutrients. If you have not already spoken with your doctor, I urge you to do so at your next visit. Your doctor will also be able to tell you if your medical history puts you at greater risk for being deficient in a nutrient due to the fiber supplementation; the information I have given you is just general information and not specific to your medical history.
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