Call it bulk, roughage or fiber supplements, but by any name it's still fiber. Brands of fiber supplements vary by fiber type, content, available forms and price. Increasing dietary fiber is known to decrease the risk of diseases of the bowels and the heart, according to MayoClinic.com. Fiber can decrease cholesterol, relieve constipation and regulate blood sugars. The MayoClinic.com encourages a daily intake between 21 g to 38 g of fiber, dependent upon age and sex.
Metamucil
Produced by Proctor & Gamble, Metamucil is a common brand of fiber supplements. Metamucil uses the fiber psyllium, the same fiber contained in some prescription constipation relief medications according to the National Institute of Health. According to the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment website, Metamucil holds 3.4 g of fiber per serving. This brand has fiber wafers, powder and capsules, but be aware that the wafers contain gluten, which can irritate bowel conditions. Metamucil powder comes in lemon, berry, orange and singles packets for convenience, and a clear powder made from inulin fiber according to Metamucil.com.
Benefiber
Benefiber is marketed by Novartis and contains the fibers wheat dextrin or guar gum depending on the product chosen. This fiber powder contains 3 g of fiber per serving according to the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment website. Benefiber comes in powders, single packets and capsules just like their competitor Metamucil, and they also offer chewy citrus tablets. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment suggests trial and error to find the right supplement, as each supplement focuses on a different type of plant fiber. The wheat dextrin and guar gum in Benefiber are two different types of fiber which may react differently in each individual.
Citrucel
GlaxoSmithKline produces the fiber supplement Citrucel. It claims that by using "Smart Fiber," the products are less likely to induce the gas and bloating caused by other supplements. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment states that Citrucel holds only 2 grams of fiber per serving, using a methycellulose fiber for its products. Citrucel offers a clear mix that is unflavored and can be added to any beverage, including the morning cup of coffee. This supplement is also available in caplets for convenience according to Citrucel.
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