Benefiber is a 100 percent natural fiber, which is taste-free, sugar-free and completely soluble in non-carbonated beverages and soft foods, according to Drugs.com. According to the American Dietetic Association, adults should consume between 20 and 35 g of fiber per day from plant foods, including both insoluble and soluble fibers. Benefiber helps consumers meet that daily recommended value while keeping the digestive tract and bowel movements regular. It is available in powder, chewable or caplet form.

Wheat dextrin is the active ingredient in Benefiber. It easily mixes into any hot or cold beverage, including water, coffee or juice. The Benefiber powder contains less than 20 ppm gluten. According to a January 2009 U.S. National Institutes of Health study, wheat dextrin significantly helped to regulate the digestive system, increase micronutrient absorption, stabilize blood glucose and lower serum lipids. It was concluded that supplementation with soluble fibers like Benefiber actually lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.

As of 2010, there are several flavored types of Benefiber, which include: orange, wild berry, kiwi strawberry, citrus punch, raspberry tea and cherry pomegranate. These are artificially flavored and include the additional ingredients of citric acid, maltodextrin, aspartame, natural flavors and potassium citrate. Depending on the flavor, varying ingredients may also be present like tea extract, acesulfame, potassium, FD&C yellow 5 and 6, and sucralose. The chewable and powder Benefiber may include calcium -- in the form of calcium carbonate -- and B vitamins for a heart healthy version. Due to the controversy surrounding aspartame consumption, the American Cancer Society states that numerous complaints were made to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concerning aspartame side effects. Using the unflavored Benefiber provides the same amounts of wheat dextrin without aspartame.

Benefiber is intended for children 6 and older and for adults. Normal dosing requires 2 tsp. three times daily for children 12 years and older, as well as adults, according to Drugs.com. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 should take 1 tsp. three times daily. Benefiber also has an original, unflavored child version. Adults can take up to 3 chewable tablets, three times per day, whereas children 6 to 11 years old can take up to 1 1/2 tablets, three times a day. Children under 6 years old will need a physician’s approval and dosing suggestion.