The Calories In Fiber Pills

Many people take fiber pills because fiber creates a feeling of fullness, stabilizes blood sugar, aids digestion and prevents constipation. It has additional health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol, decreasing risk of diabetes and preventing diverticulosis and hemorrhoids. Fiber pills provide a few calories along with these health benefits.

Calories from Fiber

While fiber contains 4 calories per gram, these calories are not generally digestible by humans. Insoluble fiber passes through the body without contributing calories. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, breaks down in water, forming a gel-like substance that slows digestion and which feeds the good bacteria in your gut. The calories ultimately yielded by soluble fiber range between 1.5 to 2.5 calories per gram, according to the Institute of Medicine.

Ingredients

The ingredients in fiber pills vary by manufacturer. Ingredients may include both insoluble and soluble fibers such as inulin, wheat dextrin and psyllium fiber husk. Additional ingredients can include gelatin, sorbitol, citric acid, green tea, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and artificial flavors. Certain ingredients, such as sorbitol, can add calories.

Calories and Fiber

Fiber pills have 15 to 40 calories per dose or serving, depending on the manufacturer. They provide 3 to 4 g of fiber, most of which is generally soluble fiber. The 12 to 15 calories in these pills that come from soluble fiber are consumed by good bacteria and do not contribute to blood sugar.