As we all know dietary fiber is an important part of your overall health. Fiber Choice is a chewable fiber supplement. Since it is a supplement it is not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Each chewable tablet, according to the bottle, contains two grams of fiber. There are two tablets per serving. And even better, you do not have to take them with water. I fully expected these to taste gross; however, they taste pretty good.
There is a claim that Fiber Choice helps boost calcium absorption. Of course that comes with a star and a cross stating, “Evidence suggests that eight grams per day of inulin (a natural dietary fiber) increases calcium absorption. Each serving of Fiber Choice contains four grams of inulin.” Further down the bottle what the start states, “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnosis, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
The inulin base for Fiber Choice is Chicory. Chicory is a close family member to dandelion. Both have an antiplatelet like action similar to aspirin.
So yeah, I was basically eating the grass outside including the weeds but it does work.
This product was suggested to me by a couple medical providers since they feel I am not getting enough fiber. To humor them I took it. And, well, while it was not the problem, the product caused another problem. I was forming bruises for no reason. The inulin base of Fiber Choice and warfarin do not get along.
I called the company that makes Fiber Choice, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Yes, a huge drug company that makes many of our prescription medications on the market. They refused to give me the inulin base. I gave option 1) tell me it or 2) I call the FDA and file a complaint and report they adverse reaction directly to them.
They gave it to me. Their inulin base is Chicory. I also made them report an adverse event so others who call in and report a problem will know they are not alone. Though, I am ok and still use the product knowing it will give me an adverse reaction and increase my bruising, someone else who is on warfarin or allergic to aspirin will have a problem with it. Luckily, I have a clotting disorder called Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS). It probably helped me in this case. Please, if you are on warfarin, a different anticoagulant or on aspirin, please consult your doctor before starting this product.
But, alas since it is not Food & Drug Administration regulated and considered a supplement, GlaxoSmithKline does not have to disclose these issues. But as a consumer, I am giving you a heads up.
This is exactly why I have so many bloody issues with herbals & supplements. None of these “drugs” are tested for drug to drug interaction, none of them are FDA approved and nothing gets reported until harm is done.
