Best Dietary Fiber Supplements (Dec. 2024) - Rated by CherryPicks' Experts

Fiber Supplement Buying Guide - What You Need to Know!

Fiber supplements are nutritional masterpieces. They have a variety of forms. They come in the form of capsules, powders, and pills. Psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil are the types of fiber included.

Fiber supplements are commonly taken for stomach problems like constipation, chronic stomach issues, or cholesterol and blood sugar regulation. The use of these pills is generally safe, but we might need to address the potential for side effects like bloating or gas. They can come with consequences if you don't read instructions or misuse them.

This article will help you consider the benefits, possible side effects and interactions and appropriate doses for different types of fiber supplements.

Health Benefits of Fiber Supplement

There are many types of carbs and they're present in a variety of foods. Fiber is found in all kinds of plants including fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Fiber is essential for regular bowel movements and can also provide you with other significant health benefits like increased nutrient absorption.

Most people in the U.S. are not getting enough fiber due to their high intake of processed and fast foods, which is leading to a typical American diet. Fiber-rich food is one way to get more fiber if you're not meeting the government's recommendation.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has published new nutritional guidelines to help us lead healthier lives. We think this will make a big difference. They start on 2020-2025.

Fibre supplements aren't a good substitute for the fibre found naturally in food, but if you're not getting enough of it from what you eat, taking them might help. For example, if you're an adult and you don't eat as frequently and as much as people your own age do, these supplements might work well for you.

People take fiber supplements for a variety of reasons like:

• The best thing you can do is stay hydrated, exercise, and include a lot of fibre in your diet.
• Here are some tips for dealing with constipation.
• Symptoms of IBS and Diverticular disease can be relieved with proper diagnosis.
• Cholesterol lowering (and the resultant reduction in heart disease risk)
• The use of cinnamon as a supplement is associated with lowering blood sugar – this allows people better regulate or prevent type 2 diabetes.
• Increasing fiber in your diet can go a long way towards helping you lose some weight, since it's filling and typically has few calories.
• Possibility of reducing the risk of colon cancer

Possible Side Effects

Generally speaking, fiber supplements are okay. The side effects that we hear about are usually not significant at all – one of the most common complaints is stomach discomfort. If you experience any unpleasant side effects, make sure to get in touch with your doctor. These side effects may range from:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Cramping
• Diarrhea or constipation if taken too much
• Up your dosage of diabetes medication, or reduce your blood glucose level.

Some side effects of reduced purchases, such as stomach bloating or gas, may go away as your body adjusts to producing fewer products per day.

Possible Drug Interactions

Despite many medications and supplements competing in the market, one of the drawbacks is that fiber supplements can have an adverse effect when taken simultaneously. Some people are more at risk for this than others due to their general diet and lifestyle:

• A common form of managing high cholesterol is the use of bile acid sequestrants. This medication is often taken in the forms of Questran and Colestid.
• Several drugs are available for people who are afflicted: for example, Glyburide and Metformin.
• Tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil or Tofranil can be used to help reduce pain.
• Tegretol (carbamazepine), as the name might suggest, is a drug that can help prevent seizures.

Drug interactions such as these are unlikely to be significant. Although fiber supplements can be a healthy part of your diet, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to make sure they're safe and appropriate for you.

Dosage and Preparation

Fiber supplements come in a range of formats. They can be mixed with liquids or swallowed whole as capsules. Fiber can be found in foods like chips, cereal, cookies, and bars.

All dosages will vary depending on the product and desired effects.There are many different opinions as to how much dietary fiber one should consume and it is advisable to see what happens. Limiting the amount of fiber you intake might be a good idea when starting this diet and slowly increase your intake until you reach your desired level. Nonetheless, it's important to take into account all sources of fiber in order to get a complete healthy diet.

Psyllium

Psyllium is a plant-based, soluble dietary fiber that contains up to 70% of the same. (which turns into a gel that has been shown to relieve occasional constipation) and 30% insoluble fiber, which can help bulk up stools and improve regular digestion.

Psyllium, because of its strong fibers, can cause gas in the gut. This is because intestinal bacteria ferment it into short-chain fat molecules that are then used for energy.

Psyllium has been associated with helping to treat both constipation and IBS symptoms with ease. The equivalent of 20 calories is in 1 tablespoon. Most of these brands are only available as powder, which is mixed with 8 ounces of water.

A general dosage of psyllium seed husk is 1 to 3 tablespoons with meals daily or as needed.

Methylcellulose

Methylcellulose is a type of soluble fibre derived from plant material. It's gluten-free and non-alcoholic. Psyllium husk is a type of soluble fiber added to food products, such as yogurt and juice, which can produce softer stools. Ther® can be used to help maintain regular bowel movements, so you can avoid issues related to constipation or diarrhea.

Methylcellulose is sold as Citrucel and can be taken as a pill for easy ingestion. It's available in both a tablet and powder form. Sugar-free Citrucel only has 24 calories per dose, while regular Citrucel contains nearly 60.

The recommended dose of Citrucel is as follows:

• Caplets: Take two 500mg caplets of this medication every day, six times a day. Drink an 8oz glass of water after each dose.
• Powder: Please use 2 tablespoons of drink mix with 8 ounces of water. Do not exceed 4 servings per day.

Polycarbophil

Polycarbophil is a soluble fiber, which means it is water-soluble. As it passes through your intestines, it attracts moisture and may lead to softer stools. This can come in handy for people who are looking for ways to increase the bulk and softness of their stool. Proteins are not fermented and are not absorbed in the body. As such, less tummy troubles will be caused in most cases.

Polycarbophil could help with worsening constipation and regular bowel movements. However, it is not suitable for people that have difficulty swallowing.

Polycarbophil is manufactured under many trade names including Fiber Lax, Mitrolan, Equalactin, and FiberCon. Most brands provide about 10 calories or less per serving and come in either chewable tablets or regular ones.

Often the recommended dose is 625 mg, taken with a glass of water. If you are experiencing diarrhea or need to take the medication more frequently, try higher doses which range from 1,250mg all the way up to 4 doses per day with an 8-ounce glass of water.

What to Look For

Make sure the fiber supplement that you are taking contains the kind of fiber that you want. Some supplements may have artificial sweeteners, sorbitol, flavorings or dyes. These are often best avoided. When buying food, make sure to read the labels and check whether a certain food contains something you are allergic to. It gives you more control over your nutritional intake and ensures that you're supporting a company that aligns with your values.

Which fiber supplement is best for you?

There is no significant difference in effectiveness between psyllium, methylcellulose or polycarbophil. Similarly, there is no difference in effectiveness between pills and powders vs capsules.

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about what fiber supplement you should take.

Summary

Fiber supplements are an easy way to increase your fiber intake, especially if your diet lacks the recommended amount of fiber. They can help keep you regular and eliminate constipation, lower cholesterol and insulin levels. When you make your diet richer in legumes like chickpeas, lentils and beans, you are lowering your risk of heart disease and colon cancer. As long as they're included in a daily meal plan.

Fiber supplements come in three different types: psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil. They're all safe to take and you may experience side effects like gas or bloating.

FAQ

Do fiber supplements actually work?

Fiber is beneficial for your health. It helps correct bowel function, preventing constipation and ensuring quick and easy elimination. Food provides many nutrients that supplements do not. Eating a diet rich in fiber is the best way to ensure you get important vitamins and minerals alongside their benefits. However, fiber supplements can contribute to the recommended daily intake.

Is it OK to take fiber supplements daily?

There's not much evidence showing that daily use of fiber supplements, like psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) can be harmful. Fiber keeps your bowels regular and prevents you from needing to go to the bathroom.

What is the best form of fiber to take?

Foods high in fiber include fresh produce, whole grains and beans. Cereals such as Bran Flakes are a great way to make the most there is of your daily intake!

Round Up of the Best Dietary Fiber Supplements (Verified to Buy)

• 1. Benefiber Chewable Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Tablets for Digestive Health, Assorted...
• 2. Kirkland Signature OPTIFIBER, 26.8 oz
• 3. Prebiotic Fiber Gummies 7G Extra Strength [Zero Sugar Added] Digestive...
• 4. Metamucil Fiber Therapy for Regularity, Fiber Supplement, 170 Count (Pack...
• 5. Vitafusion Fiber Gummies, 220Count "Sugar Free" (Pack of 2)
• 6. Fiber Prebiotic Gummies [Zero Sugar Added] Digestive Heath Regularity Support,...
• 7. Fiber Capsules Kirkland Therapy for Regularity/Fiber Supplement, 360 capsules -...
• 8. Tasty Prebiotic Fiber Gummies for Adults - High Fiber Supplement...
• 9. Organic Soluble Prebiotics Fiber Supplement (Inulin, Acacia, Psyllium Husk), 2...
• 10. Metamucil Fiber 4-in-1 Psyllium Fiber Supplement Sugar-Free Powder Single-Serve Packets...

Top 10 Dietary Fiber Supplements Brands on Amazon

Here is the list of top-rated brands that were evaluated by CherryPicks.

• Benefiber
• Kirkland Signature
• Viteey
• Metamucil
• Vitafusion
• Natures Craft
• Micro Ingredients
• Garden of Life
• GOBIOTIX
• Nature's Nutrition

Specific Dietary Fiber Supplements Guides

For more personalized Dietary Fiber Supplements guides to match for your different needs, check out the following pages,

Top 10 Dietary Fiber Supplements Sellers: CPR Seller Rank List

CPR sellers rank is based on CherryPicks-AI bestselling ranking system that helps us analyze each seller's sales trends. The List of top seller ranks is our in-house data, essential for our product ranking to help you make the right shopping choice.