Benefiber is a dietary supplement that is rich in fiber. It can be used by anyone, from children to the elderly and even pregnant women. While some people take Benefiber just to get the health and cardiovascular benefits of fiber, other people, especially pregnant women, use Benefiber to decrease constipation. Benefiber can be very safe and effective when used properly and according to directions.
Constipation and Pregnancy
The American Pregnancy Association states that constipation is very common among pregnant women. One reason is that hormonal levels fluctuate during pregnancy and the uterus expands, sometimes pushing down on the intestines. Another reason that pregnant women experience constipation is that they generally are less physically active than they used to be. They may also experience a lot of worry and anxiety, which can also cause constipation. Finally, the iron supplements that pregnant women sometimes take can cause constipation, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
What Is Benefiber?
Benefiber is a fiber supplement made mostly from a soluble fiber called wheat dextrin. Though the company that makes Benefiber sells flavored versions, the most popular form is the original flavorless powder because it can be mixed into any drink, whether juice, coffee or even water. The Benefiber company even recommends adding it to soups or soft foods like mashed potatoes.
Recommended Use
The Benefiber website recommends stirring two teaspoons of Benefiber into about four to eight ounces of your favorite drink or a soft food. It doesn't matter whether the drink or food is hot or cold; Benefiber will dissolve as long as you stir it well. The company recommends using as much as needed in order to get to the recommended daily about of fiber. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women get 25 to 30g of fiber every day, from foods or supplements like Benefiber.
Nutrition Information
In addition to containing wheat dextrin, Benefiber also contains a very small amount, less than 20 ppm, of gluten, according to the Benefiber company. Though it is considered to be gluten-free based on FDA standards, you may want to avoid it if you can't tolerate gluten. Additionally, the original flavored powder contains 15 calories, 3g of fiber and 4g of carbohydrates per 2-teaspoon serving.
Safety During Pregnancy
According to the Benefiber company, Benefiber has an excellent history of being safe and well tolerated. This is most likely because it is not a synthetic medication; it is simply a natural part of the wheat plant. Pregnant women have extra safety concerns, however, so it is important that pregnant women talk to their doctor before choosing to use any supplement.
