People who cut back on fiber didn’t just feel better right away—they kept feeling better for at least six months.
Scientific Claim
In adults with idiopathic constipation, the improvement in constipation symptoms following dietary fiber reduction is sustained over a six-month period, indicating potential for long-term symptom management.
Original Statement
“Dietary fiber intake, symptoms of constipation, difficulty in evacuation of stools, anal bleeding, abdominal bloating or abdominal pain were recorded at 1 and 6 mo.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study design cannot prove long-term causation or rule out self-selection bias. The association is observed, but 'sustained' implies stability that may be influenced by ongoing behavioral factors.
More Accurate Statement
“In adults with idiopathic constipation, the improvement in constipation symptoms following dietary fiber reduction is associated with persistence over a six-month period, indicating potential for long-term symptom management.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
When people with chronic constipation ate less fiber, their bowel movements got better and stayed better for six months—while those who kept eating lots of fiber didn’t improve at all.