(Last Updated on November 9, 2022)
Most people do not realize the importance of fiber in their diet.
It is recommended that an individual should take 30 grams of fiber every day.
However, the average intake of fiber in the U.S. stands at 15 grams per day.
Thus, most individuals do not get enough fiber.
You should get enough fiber from the diet. More so, supplements can prevent the unwanted effects of inadequate dietary fiber.
Some people notice negative side effects due to lack of dietary fiber such as chronic constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Taking more fiber intake may reduce cancer, chronic disease, obesity, gastrointestinal issues and heart diseases.
Today, we look at Benefiber, a fiber supplement for those who struggle with lack of fiber and those who do not take enough from their diet.
Let’s take a look at what it is, its ingredients, how it works, side effects, packages and prices and pros and cons.
What Is Benefiber?
Benefiber is a range of prebiotic fiber supplements that promise to nourish the good bacteria in the gut and promote better digestive health.
The brand offers a variety of products, including:
- Benefiber Original: It is a clear, taste-free powder that is 100% natural prebiotic fiber. It is available in 38,62,125 and 190 servings
- Benefiber Healthy Balance: It is used to maintain digestive health and reduce abdominal discomfort and occasional constipation. It is available in 20 and 35 servings
- Benefiber Healthy Shape: It is a powder designed to suppress cravings, making you feel full longer. It is available in 33 and 67 servings
- Benefiber Chewable Tablets: These are probiotic fiber available in 100ct.
It is manufactured by Norvatis.
Benefiber Ingredients
Wheat Dextrin
Wheat Dextrin is the active ingredient in Benefiber Original, Benefiber Healthy Shape and Benefiber Chewables.
It is a soluble fiber extracted from wheat starch.
It helps to lower cholesterol, reduce risk of heart disease, reduce body fat, boost immune function, improve mineral absorption, lower blood sugar and improve gut health.
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum
Partially hydrolyzed Guar Gum is the active ingredient in Benefiber Healthy Balance.
It is a soluble fiber that promotes a healthy GI tract and digestive system; maintain healthy blood sugar levels and lipid levels.
It is a non-gelling, and non-viscous fiber extracted from guar gum.
How Does Benefiber Work
Benefiber contains high amounts of fiber.
The products work by absorbing water from the intestines to form bulkier and softer stools.
This ensures that stool passes easily in the digestive system promoting better bowel movement.
Additionally, they increase bowel movement regularity and increase the good bacteria in the colon.
The fiber present suppresses appetite, making you feel fuller.
Here are some Benefiber benefits.
Improve gut health
The soluble fiber feeds the good bacteria in the gut and promotes regular bowel movement. This promotes better gut health.
Support heart health
Benefiber says that their products are heart-healthy supplements.
Some studies show that higher fiber intake may reduce both cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease.
Aid weight loss
Fiber makes the stomach feel fuller for longer. This may reduce appetite and aid in weight loss.
But, Benefiber is not approved as a weight loss product and may not have a direct implication on weight loss.
How To Use It?
Benefiber Original
The recommended dosage of Benefiber is two teaspoons of dissolved in liquid for adults and children above 12 years, three times daily.
Children between 6 and 11 years should take half the dosage.
The powder should be mixed with 4-8oz of beverage or soft food.
Note: Do not use carbonated drinks.
Benefiber Healthy Balance
The manufacturer recommends that one tablespoon should be dissolved in 4-8oz of beverage or soft food and taken twice daily.
Children between age 6 and 11 should take 1 tablespoon once daily.
Benefiber Healthy Shape
The recommended dosage is 1 rounded tablespoon in an 8oz beverage or soft food taken twice daily.
Benefiber Chewables
Adults and children above 12 years should chew 3 tablets, 3 times daily.
Those aged between 6 and 11 should take half the recommended dosage.
Note: Do not exceed 9 tablets daily.
Benefiber powder can be dissolved in the following beverages:
- Water
- Juice
- Coffee
The mixture should be stirred well for about a minute.
Benefiber Side Effects
Benefiber is considered safe to use by most adults and children above 12 years.
However, high levels of fiber may cause the following side effects.
- Stomach cramps
- Stomach gas
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Constipation
The above side effects are mild and are likely to appear when you begin taking the supplement. Stomach cramps and gas may go away within a few weeks.
You can reduce the side effects by taking a lower dosage and increasing it with time.
Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, while taking Benefiber may minimize side effects.
In some rare incidences, gastrointestinal obstructions may occur.
Note:
Benefiber may affect some medications.
Therefore, consult your doctor for possible interactions if you are taking other prescription medication.
Also, take Benefiber two hours before or after taking other medicines.
Do not use this fiber supplement if you have:
- Ulcers
- Esophageal perforation
- Appendicitis
- GI obstruction
Benefiber is labeled as gluten-free, but the company states that there may be trace amounts of gluten present. Thus, take caution if you are allergic to gluten.
Is Benefiber A Scam?
We carried out in-depth research, and we can conclude that Benefiber is not a scam.
It has yielded results in many people.
Benefiber Reviews & Complaints
This supplement has 52 customer reviews on Amazon where 67% are giving it a 5-star rating and an overall rating of 3.2 stars out of 5 stars.
Users portrayed mixed reactions, have a look.
Let’s start with the positive ones.
Sharon Brewer writes on Amazon:
Benefiber is the best fiber product I have ever used. I have been plagued with a serious case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for nearly 25 years. Since I have used Benefiber for the last two months, I am free of any IBS symptoms. I usually drink plenty of water, so that might contribute to my success with this product.
Erika M. says this on Influenster.
My daughter has Williams syndrome and comes with a lifetime constipation problem. The ONLY thing that has ever worked for her is Benefiber, and we tried it all (prescriptions, Miralax and more) and I love Benefiber because it is just fiber, it’s all natural and I can get it without added calcium which is great because my daughter is prone to hypercalcemia, so I have to watch how much calcium she gets. I can add 2 Tbsp of this to her milk every night, and for 8 years now she has taken it without a problem. Still works and we will use it until it doesn’t because it’s the safest and most effective for her.
How about the negative ones?
Ann gave it a one-star rating on ibs tales. She reports
Benefiber causes my stomach to bloat and becomes so tight. I also get reflux back into my chest and mouth. I get so bloated that my BM will not come out for about four hours after I am awoken in the middle of the night with cramps and pain. I have IBS and severe gastritis, and I am allergic to wheat; I think this is what was causing me so much pain and bloating. My doctor put me on Benefiber, and it’s not working. I have a lot of food allergies.
Jamie adds on ibs tales:
I’ve suffered from IBS for about 20 years (…) A month ago, I tried Benefiber to increase the soluble fiber in my diet. The first two weeks were heaven – an easy and complete bowel movement every morning, with no straining, and I was only taking one dose a day instead of the three recommended on the box.
Then I noticed that it was not working as well, so I increased the dose gradually until I was taking three doses a day. I still have not returned to that relief I felt during the first two weeks. I almost feel that it is backfiring. I am very bloated. I do have a bowel movement, but it is incomplete with straining. I watch what I eat and exercise, but I have gained weight – when I am bloated, that is usually my experience. I am so disappointed! I thought I had found a cure for my constipation/IBS.
Benefiber: Packages, Prices & Where To Buy It
The manufacturer directs the customer to online stores such as Amazon, Target, Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy and local stores near your location using their product locator.
See below how the official site looks like.
Refund Policy & Money Back Guarantee
Benefiber does not seem to offer a money back guarantee.
But the company offers coupons and promo codes. They are currently running 1 active coupon which you can use on discounts.
All their official coupons and promotions are found on the official website: benefiber.com.
Benefiber Pros & Cons
Benefiber Review: Final Words
Benefiber is a soluble fiber supplement that uses all natural source of fiber that helps to improve gut health and increase good bacteria.
It is an ideal solution to improve bowel regularity but take caution if you have a gluten intolerance, pregnant, nursing, celiac disease or kidney stones.
We laid out the facts, will you buy Benefiber? Comment below and tell us what you think!
Original benefiber, fiber supplement, worked better than the benefiber, prebiotic fiber. Why did u quit selling original?
‘dependency’
Seriously?
When you consider severe IBS, the alternative without it is terrible.
I cannot use any psyllium product without a lot of
problems, do not want a laxative so I have no alternative
and the so-called stool softeners are useless.
I use Healthy Balance as I believe it works better for me than the
standard Benefiber.
I am so grateful for it.