Fibre supplements

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Fibre supplements (also spelled fiber supplements) are considered to be a form of a subgroup of functional

Excessive fibre intake can lead to fluid imbalance, dehydration, mineral deficiencies, nutrient and drug interactions, and other medical problems.

Rationale for fibre supplement use

The American Dietetic Association recommends that the average adult consume 25 to 38 grams of

In another study, a dietary supplement consisting of both soluble fibre (guar gum, pectin) and insoluble fibre (soy fibre, pea fibre, corn bran) was found to reduce LDL-cholesterol for individuals that have mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia without reducing HDL-cholesterol or increasing triglycerides.^[7]

Supplements containing extracted

Diverticulitis is mainly attributed to the low fibre intake commonly found in the Western diet for which a gradual increase in dietary fibre over several weeks is a commonly prescribed clinical solution. Fibre supplementation has been found to be less effective than dietary fibre in this regard. One study of 58 men and women with uncomplicated diverticulitis in a double-blind controlled trial concluded that common doses of wheat bran and a psyllium-derived supplement provided relief of constipation only, with no other observable effects.^[10]

Irritable bowel syndrome

Acacia senegal fiber (gum arabic - completely soluble, fully fermentable) has also been shown to have a prebiotic effect in the gut, significantly increasing Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli after 4 weeks of consumption.^[13] Acacia ferments very slowly in the gut, and due to its polymeric nature does not disturb osmotic pressure, so it has a good gastrointestinal tolerance (it has no sudden and painful release of gas, and the total gas production is much lower than with FOS, for instance) and does not present any side effects at dosages up to 50 grams per day.^[14] Particularly helpful for IBS is that Acacia senegal behaves as a regulator; it is able to reduce diarrhea^[15] and reduce constipation.^[14]

Dietary insoluble fiber has long been shown to exacerbate Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.^[16]

Weight management

It has been suggested that the refining of fibre-rich grains has contributed to the

Supplemental forms of fibre have been shown to potentially assist weight management by increasing satiety,^[19][20][21] decreasing the absorption rate of starches and sugars, and binding to lipids in the small intestine thereby reducing serum triglycerides and chylomicron.^[22]

Powdered

A similar reduction of energy intake through fibre supplementation was observed in another study. A dose of guar gum was administered to normal-weight and obese participants. A 10% reduction of energy was observed in the normal subjects, and a 30% reduction of energy for obese subjects.[23] Fibre supplementation has also been indicated to assist compliance to low-calorie diets, as indicated through decreased feelings of hunger and increased ratings of satiety.^[19] Other soluble fiber forms such as glucomannan have also been studied in relationship to blood sugar and fat digestion in obese patients.^[24]

Side effects

Abruptly adding elevated amounts of fibre to the diet too quickly can lead to intestinal gas, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, cramping, and constipation.^[25] It is therefore better to regulate and moderate daily fibre intake. If increased fibre intake is desired, gradually increasing the amount over a few days allows the natural bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to adjust to the change. Drinking 1- 2 L of water every day can prevent some uncomfortable symptoms by making the stool soft and bulky.

The risk of

Excessive fibre intake can also contribute to nutrient and drug interactions. For example, antidepressant medications, diabetes medications, carbamazepine,^[27] cholesterol-lowering medications and penicillin. According to figures from Public Health England (PHE), most Britons are not getting enough fiber from their diets. Findings from the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey reveal that the average Briton consumes 18g of fiber each day; however, this is significantly below the recommended intake of 30g.^{[citation needed]}

Common supplements

S=Soluble, I=Insoluble C=Capsule/Tablet, P=Powder

References