A fiber dietary supplement is typically recommended by a physician to help a person relieve constipation naturally. Fiber supplements can soften the stool and should be taken with plenty of water to help pass through the digestive tract. According to the MayoClinic, there is no evidence that long-term use of fiber supplements is dangerous. Potential side effects of fiber supplements include bloating, gas, and stomach pain. If these side effects persist or you do not have a bowel movement within three days of daily use, discontinue the product and speak to your doctor. You can choose the fiber supplement you wish to use based on personal preference, because they all work the same way.
Benefiber
Benefiber made by Novartis is a tasteless powder that can be added to foods and beverages to increase your fiber intake. It dissolves completely and the product contains 100 percent soluble dietary fiber. It can be purchased in a bulk container or in individual serving packs. Benefiber is free of gluten and sugar and can be used in children over the age of 6 with the approval of a doctor. Each serving contains 15 calories and 3g of fiber. Take 2 tsp. one to three times daily per the manufacturer's instructions.
Fiber Choice
Fiber Choice by Glaxo Smith Kline is a chewable dietary supplement and contains the same type of fiber found in fruits and vegetables. Flavors of the chewables include strawberry, mixed berry and orange. Along with fiber, the varieties of the supplement have added weight control support, antioxidants or calcium. Each serving contains 4g of fiber and 15 calories. Take two tablets per day of Fiber Choice.
Metamucil
Metamucil from Procter & Gamble is a psyllium fiber dietary supplement and is available as a dissolvable powder, capsules or wafers. All products are gluten and sugar free, except for the wafers. Flavor choices include pink lemonade, orange and berry. Textures include smooth and coarse milled. There are 3g of fiber and 20 calories in the powder versions of Metamucil. The wafers contain 120 calories and 6g of fiber. The capsules only contain 10 calories and 3g of fiber. The manufacturer recommends one to three doses daily of their fiber supplements.
Citrucel
Citrucel, a product from Glaxo Smith Kline, has an orange-flavored powdered drink version that comes in both a sugar free and original variety. Citrucel contains only 2g of fiber per serving and uses the plant- based fiber methylcellulose. Soft Chews are a new product from Citrucel; they are chocolate or caramel flavored candies with fiber in them. Use one to three servings of the Citrucel products on a daily basis.
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