Some participants in the study also noted increased flatulence and abdominal pain from taking fibre supplements, a reminder that it’s important to gradually increase your fibre intake in order to avoid overwhelming your body.

You can take psyllium fibre as a supplement, which usually comes in powder form. Dosage will depend on the type of psyllium fibre you take and it’s best to speak to your GP to figure out if psyllium is right for you and how often you should supplement with it. And, as dietitian Sophie Medlin previously told Stylist, we shouldn’t rely on supplements over simply eating our nutrients: “Choosing wholegrain carbohydrates and packing your diet with fruit and vegetables is a better way to get more fibre into your diet. As I always say, spend your money in the fruit and veg aisle rather than the pharmaceutical aisle where you can.”

Fortunately, psyllium is a naturally occurring fibre, found in foods such as high-fibre cereals, baked breads and even ice cream. NHS guidelines advise that healthy adults should eat 30g of fibre per day.

Psyllium fibre: is this the best supplement for treating constipation?