Which statement is true regarding effects of fiber-supplemented diets on altered bowel elimination?

Which statement is true regarding effects of fiber-supplemented diets on altered bowel elimination?

• A. Wheat bran increases irritable bowel syndrome IBS symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating
• B. Soluble fiber corrects constipation in all cases
• C. Fiber-containing formulas will reduce diarrhea in tube fed patients
• D. A high fiber diet decreases the incidence of involuntary stool leakage

Answer: (A)

Fiber type matters: insoluble fiber, such as wheat bran, tends to add bulk and can increase gas production in the colon. In irritable bowel syndrome, this combination often worsens abdominal pain and bloating, so the statement about wheat bran raising IBS symptoms is true in this context. Soluble fiber can help many with constipation by softening stools and slowing transit, but it doesn’t guarantee relief in every case; individual response varies and some people may still have symptoms or even experience more gas. Fiber-containing formulas for tube feeding are not universally effective at reducing diarrhea; outcomes depend on the specific product and the patient’s GI condition. A high fiber diet can improve stool form and may aid continence for some, but it does not reliably prevent involuntary stool leakage in all individuals.

Fiber type matters: insoluble fiber, such as wheat bran, tends to add bulk and can increase gas production in the colon. In irritable bowel syndrome, this combination often worsens abdominal pain and bloating, so the statement about wheat bran raising IBS symptoms is true in this context.

Soluble fiber can help many with constipation by softening stools and slowing transit, but it doesn’t guarantee relief in every case; individual response varies and some people may still have symptoms or even experience more gas. Fiber-containing formulas for tube feeding are not universally effective at reducing diarrhea; outcomes depend on the specific product and the patient’s GI condition. A high fiber diet can improve stool form and may aid continence for some, but it does not reliably prevent involuntary stool leakage in all individuals.