Analysis Version
v1
History
Back to Study: Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces ...
descriptive
Analysis v1
39
Pro
0
Against

This study shows that people with constipation don’t need fiber to poop normally—many felt better when they stopped eating it.

Scientific Claim

In adults with idiopathic constipation, the belief that dietary fiber is necessary for normal bowel function is not supported by symptom outcomes in patients who eliminate or reduce fiber intake.

Original Statement

“This study has confirmed that the previous strongly-held belief that the application of dietary fiber to help constipation is but a myth.”

From study:Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms.

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 ('is not supported') to refute a broad belief, but the study only shows association in a small, non-randomized cohort. Generalization is unwarranted.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

39
39

Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms.

Cohort Study
Human

This study found that people with chronic constipation felt better and had more regular bowel movements when they ate less fiber—or even no fiber—instead of more, which goes against the common belief that fiber fixes constipation.

Contradicting (0)

0
No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms.

Score: 39
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i33.4593

Similar Assertions

Most people with chronic constipation chose to keep eating less fiber after trying it, because they felt better—only a few went back to eating lots of fiber.

39
0
92%

Most people who came in with constipation were already eating a lot of fiber—so they weren’t lacking it, which challenges the idea that fiber deficiency causes constipation.

0
39
90%

People with constipation who kept taking fiber pills or eating lots of whole grains didn’t feel better—even if they tried to change their habits, the fiber kept them feeling the same.

39
0
90%

People with constipation who ate no fiber stopped straining to poop, while everyone who kept eating fiber still had to strain hard.

39
0
89%

Cutting fiber might help constipation because it makes poop smaller and less gas is made in the gut, so it’s easier to go and you don’t feel as bloated.

39
0
85%