Answer to Question #4806 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

I have occasionally used psyllium fiber products and have found that they work quite well. It is my understanding that most psyllium is imported from India. At least some areas in India (like Brazil) are known to exhibit exceedingly high levels of natural radioactivity. That is, the soil in some regions in these countries is relatively radioactive. Can you tell me if the psyllium fiber which uses natural fiber additives is screened for natural radioactivity? I realize the level must be low, but if one used the product daily, it seems there might be a possible long-term effect.

It is unlikely that the psyllium fiber products that you use are screened for radioactivity. Even if grown in areas of high natural radioactivity, it is very unlikely that the radioactivity content would be anywhere near high enough to be of any health concern; the radioactivity levels in the soil of these areas, while higher than average, is simply not great enough to result in a significant uptake by the psyllium plant. So use your psyllium products without concern for their radioactivity content.
 
Ron Kathren
Professor Emeritus
Washington State University