Get price alerts. Due to its ability to add bulk to the stool, it is used off-label, or without FDA approval, as a laxative to treat constipation. Metamucil is approved as a fiber dietary supplement and in the treatment of occasional constipation. Metamucil is also indicated in the reduction of risk of coronary heart disease. This is due to its ability to bind fatty acids and remove them from the body, thereby decreasing LDL cholesterol. Metamucil is used off-label to help control blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus.
One randomized, controlled trial showed that Metamucil may be beneficial in decreasing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome as well. A clinical review published in sought to evaluate the health outcomes of regular fiber therapy by comparing commercially available fiber products.
Researchers describe that a key difference between dextrin Benefiber and psyllium Metamucil is that dextrin is readily fermented in the intestinal tract. Once fermented, dextrin loses its water-holding capability and therefore is not an effective laxative.
Psyllium is not fermented, and thus becomes a viscous, gel-like consistency and can hold water in the stool throughout the large bowel. This provides a hydrated, bulky stool that can be excreted more easily. Furthermore, the American College of Gastroenterology Chronic Constipation Task Force published findings that psyllium was the only fiber supplement that showed enough clinical evidence to support an indication for chronic constipation.
Their findings suggested that viscous fibers, like psyllium, showed the greatest effect on glycemic control. This effect of slowing digestion also leaves you feeling fuller for a longer period of time, seeming to aid in weight loss. Your healthcare provider will provide recommendations on which type of fiber is best for your gut health. Sign up for Benefiber price alerts and find out when the price changes! Benefiber is an OTC supplement that is not typically covered by commercial or Medicare insurance.
Metamucil is also an OTC supplement that is not generally covered by commercial or Medicare insurance. Common packaging would be a box containing 44 dose packets of Metamucil powder. The most reported side effect of fiber therapy is flatulence or the build-up of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
Adverse events associated with Benefiber and Metamucil appear to be relatively rare, but may also include stomach pain cramping and bloating.
Frequency may be hard to define due to the variations in lengths of therapy as well as dosing. Patients taking Metamucil have reported nausea and vomiting, as well as asphyxiation, or choking. Rarely, hypersensitivity reactions may occur.
The following list is not intended to be a complete list of possible side effects. Please consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider for a complete list of possible side effects.
Source: Metamucil , Benefiber. There are no known drug interactions with either Benefiber or Metamucil. Bulk-forming fiber like Metamucil may affect how other medications are absorbed. The manufacturer recommends that you take your Metamucil two hours before or two hours after your prescribed medication.
It is important to take Benefiber and Metamucil products with adequate amounts of fluid. Taking fiber therapy without adequate fluid intake can lead to esophageal blockage and choking. Do not take these products if you have difficulty swallowing. Some types of fiber can irritate the gut lining.
A person with any preexisting condition should consult their doctor before trying a new supplement. According to Benefiber, children under 6 years old , and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also check with a doctor before taking a supplement. Fiber is beneficial for digestive and overall health. If people are not getting much fiber in their diet, taking a fiber supplement alongside a healthful diet and lifestyle may help ease digestive issues or aid in weight loss. Adding more water alongside increased fiber intake can also help to reduce constipation.
People can aim for 8—9 glasses of water a day. If digestive issues worsen while taking a fiber supplement, people should stop taking it and consult their doctor. Fiber is the fibrous part of food that the body cannot digest or absorb. Why is fiber necessary in the diet, and what foods are high in fiber? A new study in mice investigates different types of dietary fiber and shows which have beneficial effects on a group of gut bacteria. Fiber is an essential nutrient for boosting heart and gut health, and yet hardly anyone includes enough of it in their daily diet.
In this article, we…. Eating foods such as yogurt, pulses, wheat bran, and…. Prebiotics work with probiotics in the body to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Many prebiotic foods are suitable for vegans…. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Benefits Supplements Side effects Summary We include products we think are useful for our readers. Fiber benefits. Share on Pinterest A person can consume fiber supplements by adding them to drinks. Fiber supplements.
Side effects. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Why do we need dietary fiber? How different kinds of fiber affect the microbiome A new study in mice investigates different types of dietary fiber and shows which have beneficial effects on a group of gut bacteria.
High-fiber foods for a healthful diet. Which foods are good for constipation? Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. What prebiotic foods should people eat? Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, and it helps constipation by bulking the stool and increasing bowel transit time. Fiber supplements contain one or both of these fibers to improve digestion, and many incorporate other complementary ingredients. Here, the best fiber supplements:. One of the top companies in the supplement industry, Garden of Life, created Dr.
Formulated Organic Fiber that checks all the boxes you could want in a supplement. Formulated Organic Fiber is made with optimal gut health in mind. It's formulated with an organic prebiotic fiber blend, which feeds the good bacteria in the gut and may improve immunity.
One tablespoon provides five grams of fiber four grams of soluble fiber and one gram of insoluble fiber. It dissolves easily into fluid and doesn't thicken. To combat constipation, it's important to choose a fiber supplement that contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool and helps it pass through your digestive system more quickly. Soluble fiber helps stool pass through the intestinal tract by absorbing water from your stomach and intestines—the fiber turns into a gel consistency think of it almost as a lubricant.
One serving one tablespoon provides three grams of soluble fiber and one gram of insoluble fiber. It's recommended to add one tablespoon of psyllium husk to a ten-ounce glass of water or your favorite beverage and drink immediately. If left in liquid for a while, the psyllium mixture will become thick and gel-like, thanks to the soluble fiber. For a tasty option, try adding one serving to your favorite smoothie or overnight oats.
When increasing your fiber intake, it is important to increase the amount of water you consume during the day. Fiber absorbs water from food and beverages, as well as your body's fluid reserves. If you're not consuming enough water with fiber-rich foods and fiber supplements, you are more likely to become dehydrated, which can worsen constipation. Plus, if you don't drink fluid as directed with your fiber supplement, the added bulk of a fiber supplement can create intestinal discomfort or potentially swell in your throat, making it difficult to swallow.
Who likes to tote around their large tub of fiber powder? This product is great for people who travel frequently or want a single-serve option, and it's budget-friendly. Benefiber is sugar-free as well as non-GMO, and each stick provides three grams of fiber. The powder dissolves clear in liquid and has no taste. According to the manufacturer, all Benefiber powder products contain less than 20ppm of gluten and are considered gluten-free, based on the FDA definition of less than 20ppm.
If you have gluten intolerance, you should talk to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to consume Benefiber. Heather's Tummy Fiber is made of percent organic Acacia Senegal, a soluble form of fiber. Soluble fiber can help alleviate diarrhea by absorbing excess fluid and slowing down the passage of stool through the intestines. Research on acacia fiber and its role in helping diarrhea is limited; however, some reviews show it might be helpful in aiding symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Acacia Senegal is a prebiotic product that can help support the growth of good gut bacteria. Acacia is the sole ingredient in this product, which is free of gluten, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. It is recommended to start with half a teaspoon twice a day, increasing gradually. Chia seeds are by far the best option if you are looking for a way to improve your gastrointestinal health and overall well-being without supplements. Packing 16 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber in one tablespoon, these small but mighty seeds are also full of nutrition.
One tablespoon of chia seeds contains 3 grams of protein, 4 grams of healthy fat, and 10 percent of the recommended daily intake of magnesium.
Chia seeds are a great addition to smoothies or can easily be sprinkled on top of oatmeal, yogurt, or avocado toast.
When placed in water, chia seeds swell to about ten times their size and form a lubricating gel that can help move stool through the intestines. Containing mostly soluble fiber, these superfoods can help lower LDL cholesterol and slow digestion, which helps promote blood sugar stability.
Unlike traditional supplements, these seeds contain more calories than typical calorie-free or low-calorie fiber supplements: one tablespoon is 60 calories, so you may want to be mindful of how often you incorporate chia seeds into your diet.
Research is mixed on which type of fiber is best for irritable bowel syndrome IBS. Some studies suggest that soluble fiber might be more effective for managing IBS symptoms. Batch tested and verified gluten-free, this product contains five grams of mostly soluble fiber and is more affordable than other organic versions.
Ground flax seeds are an excellent source of fiber, omega 3 fatty acids , and phytochemicals. The main fiber in flax seeds is soluble fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol by reducing the cholesterol absorbed in the bloodstream. Active Ingredients: Organic golden flax, organic black chia seed Form: Seed blend Dosage: 2 tablespoons. Renew Life Daily Digestive Prebiotic Fiber supplement for adults is vegetarian-friendly, and it comes in convenient capsules for use at home or on the go.
One five-capsule serving contains 2 grams of fiber sourced from organic flax seeds and oat fiber. In addition to organic flax and oat, these capsules also contain organic fennel seed, which has antispasmodic properties and may be helpful for those that experience gas and bloating. These capsules are also non-GMO, dairy and soy-free, and do not contain any added sugar. Active Ingredients: Organic flax seed, organic oat fiber, organic fennel seed Form: Capsule Dosage: 5 capsules.
Two gummies contain 3 grams of fiber percent soluble , contain 2 billion CFUs of probiotics , and only 1 gram of sugar. These gummies do not contain gluten or artificial colors.
Though they might be tasty, it is not recommended to exceed more than four gummies per day. If you're looking for an all-encompassing fiber supplement to help regulate your digestive system, Garden of Life Dr.
Formulated Organic Fiber view at Amazon is your best bet. For those with a stomach sensitivity, like IBS, opt for Anthony's Organic Psyllium Husk view at Amazon , which will gently alleviate symptoms without further irritating your stomach. Insoluble and soluble fiber are both important and have their own unique properties and benefits in the body. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine which type of fiber is best for your needs.
The dose of fiber ranges among products, and it is important to consult with your healthcare provider about the appropriate product and dosage for your individual needs. Follow the dosage instructions recommended by your healthcare provider or the product they recommend.
In general, it is best to start with a low dose and increase fiber gradually, with extra fluids. In general, it is best to keep the ingredient list as small as possible. Doing so limits your exposure to potentially harmful or irritating ingredients, like artificial colors or preservatives.
Some products are allergy-friendly, while others may not be. In addition, some products may contain additional ingredients such as herbs or probiotics. Artificial sweeteners are not typically found in most fiber supplements; however, they are found in some fiber gummy products. Artificial sweeteners include aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and acesulfame-k.
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