Fiber supplements can help you increase your fiber intake if you are not getting enough from your diet, and Benefiber and Citrucel are two well-known brands of fiber supplements. However, the fiber from Benefiber and Citrucel products may have different health benefits. Consult your doctor to determine which may be best for you, and only take dietary supplements with your doctor's approval.
Background
Benefiber and Citrucel both provide functional fibers, which have been isolated from natural sources, and not dietary fiber, which is in the parts of plant foods which your body cannot digest. The fiber in Benefiber products is wheat dextrin, or maltodextrin, and this kind of fiber is a prebiotic because it supports the growth of probiotics, or healthy bacteria which live in your gut. Citrucel's fiber, named SmartFiber, is methylcellulose.
Health Claims
The wheat dextrin in Benefiber is a soluble, or fermentable, fiber and it may lower levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in your blood. Citrucel SmartFiber is a laxative because it is an insoluble, or non-fermentable fiber. This kind of fiber increases stool bulk and may prevent or relieve constipation. Only gradually increase your intake of fiber from Benefiber or Citrucel, and stay hydrated throughout the day, to reduce the severity of side effects such as cramping, bloating or diarrhea.
Products
You can add Benefiber and Citrucel powders to food or beverages. Both brands comes in regular and sugar-free orange flavors, and Benefiber makes an unflavored powder. Citrucel and Benefiber have caplets that you can swallow, and Benefiber also has chewable tablets in orange and wild berry flavors. Benefiber also offers calcium-fortified versions of its powders, tablets and caplets. Drink adequate fluid when you take fiber supplements to prevent choking, as well as to get the maximum effects, advises the Linus Pauling Institute.
Considerations
Benefiber and Citrucel products provide 3 g fiber per serving of caplets, powder or chewable tablet, and this is 12 percent of the daily value for a 2,000-calorie diet. Natural food sources of dietary fiber are nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains, Even if you choose to take a fiber supplement, such as Benefiber or Citrucel, continue to include more of these foods in your diet because they also provide essential nutrients such as healthy fats, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins C and A.
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