Elimination problems have long been an important issue in long-term and acute care. It is estimated for example, that more than half of nursing home residents experience constipation during their stay, requiring weekly use of laxatives or stool softeners, or monthly use of enemas. Typically patients who have one or more of the following problems are at risk for elimination problems: chewing or swallowing disorders, lack of exercise, conditions that inhibit self feeding, overuse of laxatives, limited fluid intake, and certain neurological, metabolic, and endocrine disorders.

Medications, nutritional supplements, and special diets also contribute to elimination problems. Pureed diets, for example, are based mostly on animal protein and lack fiber. Tube feeding is designed to be low residual and can contribute to constipation. Consequently, a successful bowel management program needs to focus on all of the risk factors that contribute to elimination problems to ensure that patients receive adequate dietary fiber and fluid intake.

HyFiber Liquid with FOS* provides 11 grams of soluble fiber per 30ml. Soluble fiber dissolves in water but is not digested. Instead, it forms a thick gel in the intestines, allowing the gut to absorb excess liquid in the colon and thereby soften the stool and add bulk as it passes intact through the colon. THe gel also helps keep the GI muscles stretched around a full colon, giving those muscles something to easily grip during peristaltic contractions, allowing for easier and faster transit time of the softened stool.

*HyFiber contains Fructo-Oligosaccharides(FOS) which is found in many vegetables. It consists of short chains of fructose molecules that are only partially digested. The undigested portion serves as food for "friendly bacteria" such as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus. Clinical studies have shown that administering FOS can increase the number of friendly bacteria in the colon while simultaneously reducing harmful bacteria.

Not for Parenteral Use. USE under medical supervision.