People with chronic constipation who kept eating lots of fiber (like whole grains and veggies) for six months didn’t see any improvement—they still pooped rarely and felt bloated and strained.
Scientific Claim
In adults with idiopathic constipation who continue a high-fiber diet for six months, bowel movement frequency remains unchanged at approximately one motion every 6.83 days, and symptoms of bloating and straining persist in nearly all individuals.
Original Statement
“Those who remained on a high fiber diet continued to have a mean of one motion per 6.83 d (± 1.03 d) before and after consultation (P = 1.00). ... symptoms of bloating were present in 100% ... and straining to pass stools occurred in 100% ...”
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 claim uses definitive language ('remains unchanged', 'persist in nearly all'), but the study design is observational and lacks randomization. The association is valid, but causation cannot be inferred.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (0)
Contradicting (1)
The study found that eating less fiber made constipation better, not worse — so saying high fiber makes symptoms stay the same forever is wrong because cutting fiber helps.