How are complications such as the formation of an esophageal or intestinal bezoar with fiber administration avoided?

• A. Adequate fluid provision and avoiding underhydration
• B. Increasing fiber without fluids
• C. Taking fiber with carbonated beverages
• D. Administering fiber without water

Answer: (A)

When fiber is added to the diet, water is essential. Fiber needs adequate fluid to hydrate and form a soft, bulky material that can move through the esophagus and intestines smoothly. If hydration is inadequate, fiber can clump together and create a dense mass, increasing the risk of esophageal or intestinal bezoars and potential obstruction. Providing sufficient fluids and avoiding underhydration allows the fiber to pass through the GI tract without forming these masses. Other options don’t offer this critical need—taking fiber with carbonated beverages doesn’t substitute for water, increasing fiber without fluids raises the risk, and administering fiber without water is directly contraindicated.