All plants foods contain fiber, an indigestible substance that promotes bowel health and lowers cholesterol. Ideally, you should meet your needs for this nutrient through diet, but if this proves difficult, a supplement can pick up the slack. Benefiber supplements contain wheat dextrin, a type of soluble fiber. A natural component of foods, fiber supplements generally do not pose any serious health concerns, but you must take some precautions for proper use. Talk to your doctor before taking any nutritional supplements.
Dosing Guidelines
Benefiber supplements contain 3 g of fiber per capsule, and the label directions suggest taking two to six capsules three times a day, for a maximum of 18 daily. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dose for you.
Constipation
Fiber promotes regular bowel movements. It bulks up the stool and helps move it through the intestines. Fiber supplements, coupled with insufficient fluid intake, however, can actually lead to constipation. Drink at least 8 ozs. of water with your supplement and a total of six to eight glasses of water total throughout the day.
Bloating, Gas and Diarrhea
If you had been following a low-fiber diet previous to using fiber supplements, the sudden increase in fiber intake can lead to gas, bloating and diarrhea. Starting off with a smaller amount and gradually increasing it over six to eight weeks will minimize these effects, according to the University of California, Los Angeles, website.
Reduced Blood Sugar
High fiber intake can lower blood sugar levels. If you take insulin or other medications to lower your blood sugar, you might need to reduce your doses to prevent hypoglycemia, or excessively low blood sugar. Only your doctor can safely determine whether you require this; do not alter your medications on your own.
Gluten Sensitivity
Wheat contains gluten, a protein that some people are sensitive or allergic to. The official Benefiber website explains that its product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, which allows the manufacturer to label the product gluten-free per Food and Drug Administration regulations. The site advises you, however, to talk to your doctor before using Benefiber if you have a sensitivity or allergy to gluten.
Medication Interactions
Fiber supplements can reduce the absorption of medications if taken too close to one another. Take medications at least one hour prior to taking your supplement or two to four hours after. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that fiber supplements might reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants, cholesterol medications, the heart medication digoxin, diabetes drugs, the anti-seizure drug carbamazepine and lithium, used to treat bipolar disorder. Do not take fiber supplements without talking to your doctor first if you take these medications.
Individuals with Intestinal Disorders
Taking too much fiber can negatively affect intestinal health in certain instances, such as during a flare-up of inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Michael F. Picco, writing for MayoClinic.com, advises you to consult with your doctor before using fiber supplements if you suffer from any intestinal disorders.
References
- Benefiber.com: Frequently Asked Questions
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Fiber; February 2010
- University of California, Los Angeles: Facts of Fiber
- Drugs.com: Benefiber Supplements Information
- MayoClinic.com; Fiber Supplements; Are They Safe to Take Everyday?; Michael F. Picco, M.D.; April 2011
