Constipation: Not Just Fibre

Addresses the problem of defining the term “constipation”. Briefly discusses the role of dietary fibre as a cause for concern in the aetiology of the disorder and highlights the importance of “other” factors that may influence bowel habits. Makes specific reference to: the amount of food eaten; fluid intake; exercise; delay in responding to the call to stool; establishment of a bowel routine; psychological factor; sex hormones (female); pharmacological preparations and health status. States the prevalence of constipation in the UK and places emphasis throughout on objective measurements of bowel function, including stool frequency, weight and transit time. Emphasizes the fact that fibre is just one consideration in the constipation scenario. Fibre is not the panacea for this condition.