Fibre supplements

Functional dietary fibre

The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate. (December 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

Fibre supplements (also spelled fiber supplements) are considered to be a form of a subgroup of functional dietary fibre, and in the United States are defined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). According to the IOM, functional fibre "consists of isolated, non-digestible carbohydrates that have beneficial physiological effects in humans".[1]

Fibre supplements are widely available, and can be found in forms such as powders, tablets, and capsules. Consumption of fibre supplements may be for improving dietary intake, lowering blood cholesterol, alleviating irritable bowel syndrome, reducing the risk of colon cancer, and increasing feelings of satiety.

Excessive fibre intake can lead to fluid imbalance, dehydration, mineral deficiencies, nutrient and drug interactions, and other medical problems.

## Rationale for fibre supplement use

[edit]

The American Dietetic Association recommends that the average adult consume 25 to 38 grams of dietary fibre per day.[2] However, research has shown that the average American only consumes 14 to 15 grams per day.[2] To reach the recommended amount of fibre, consumption of dietary fibre from foods (e.g. plants, vegetables, legumes, and grains) instead of supplements is preferred because they contain additional beneficial nutrients and non-nutritive components (e.g. antioxidants and phytoestrogens). Nevertheless, a fibre supplement may be needed to prevent constipation when fibre intake via food is low, which is the case among many inactive elderly people. A cereal bran such as psyllium seed husk, or a synthetic fiber such as methylcellulose is often used in this case.[3]

## Health claims

[edit]

### Blood cholesterol reduction

[edit]

Foods that are high in viscous fibres have been found to lower blood cholesterol by binding with bile acids. In order to compensate for this, cholesterol from the liver may be used to make more bile acids. The products of bacterial fermentation in the colon may also decrease the rate of cholesterol synthesis in the liver.[4]

However, research has produced mixed results with respect to whether fibre supplements are as effective as dietary fibre in reducing blood cholesterol. Two recent studies show nearly opposing results, using fibre-supplemented apple juice containing both the soluble pectin from apples and gum arabic. In the first study, the supplement-enriched juice had no discernible effect on the blood cholesterol levels of 110 hypercholesterolaemic men and women.[5] In the second study, the total and LDL-cholesterol levels of mildly hypercholesterolaemic men were lowered.[6]

In another study, a dietary supplement consisting of both soluble fibre (guar gum, pectin) and insoluble fibre (soy fibre, pea fibre, corn bran) was found to reduce LDL-cholesterol for individuals that have mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia without reducing HDL-cholesterol or increasing triglycerides.[7][8]

Supplements containing extracted insoluble fibre may have an effect on blood lipids that most resembles the effects of dietary fibre. In a more recent randomized, double blind clinical study of 58 hypercholesterolaemic volunteers, an extruded carob pulp preparation added to daily diet reduced total and LDL-cholesterol and improved the ratio of HDL:LDL cholesterol in all participants, and also showed a marked reduction in serum cholesterol in the women of the study.[9]

### Gastrointestinal health

[edit]

#### Colorectal cancer

[edit]

The protective properties of dietary fibre against colorectal cancer are undisputed. However, not all fibre supplements seem to provide the same defensive effect. A study of 1429 men and women over six months showed that a high-fibre cereal (wheat bran) supplement had no protective effect on recurring colorectal adenomas. In addition, no significant improvement in the proportion or features of existing colorectal adenomas was observed.[10]

#### Diverticular disease

[edit]

Diverticulitis is mainly attributed to the low fibre intake commonly found in the Western diet for which a gradual increase in dietary fibre over several weeks is a commonly prescribed clinical solution. Fibre supplementation has been found to be less effective than dietary fibre in this regard. One study of 58 men and women with uncomplicated diverticulitis in a double-blind controlled trial concluded that common doses of wheat bran and a psyllium-derived supplement provided relief of constipation only, with no other observable effects.[11]

#### Irritable bowel syndrome

[edit]

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal ailment for which dietary soluble fibre is often prescribed as part of a therapeutic solution. As a supplement, partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG - completely soluble, fully fermentable[12]) has been shown to be quite effective in clinical trials for decreasing IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and generally improving quality of life for sufferers well beyond treatment. In addition, PHGG has been shown to have prebiotic properties by acidifying bowel contents and increasing gut microflora.[13]

Acacia senegal fiber (gum arabic \- completely soluble, fully fermentable) has also been shown to have a prebiotic effect in the gut, significantly increasing Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli after 4 weeks of consumption.[14] Acacia ferments very slowly in the gut, and due to its polymeric nature does not disturb osmotic pressure, so it has a good gastrointestinal tolerance (it has no sudden and painful release of gas, and the total gas production is much lower than with FOS, for instance) and does not present any side effects at dosages up to 50 grams per day.[15] Particularly helpful for IBS is that Acacia senegal behaves as a regulator; it is able to reduce diarrhea[16] and reduce constipation.[15]

Dietary insoluble fiber has long been shown to exacerbate Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.[17]

### Weight management

[edit]

It has been suggested that the refining of fibre-rich grains has contributed to the obesity epidemic of Western countries. Whole, dietary forms of fibre are more difficult to ingest and absorb than milled and refined food products.[18] This is because dietary fibre may be able to displace available calories and nutrients, requires more time for chewing (thereby slowing intake rate and inducing satiety), and reduces the efficiency of absorption in the small intestine.[18][19]

Supplemental forms of fibre have been shown to potentially assist weight management by increasing satiety,[20][21][22] decreasing the absorption rate of starches and sugars, and binding to lipids in the small intestine thereby reducing serum triglycerides and chylomicron.[23]

Powdered guar gum, a soluble fibre, was shown to be associated with a significantly lower energy intake in obese subjects who ingested a non-restricted diet over one week, when the same participants did not consume the fibre supplement.[20]

A similar reduction of energy intake through fibre supplementation was observed in another study. A dose of guar gum was administered to normal-weight and obese participants. A 10% reduction of energy was observed in the normal subjects, and a 30% reduction of energy for obese subjects.[24] Fibre supplementation has also been indicated to assist compliance to low-calorie diets, as indicated through decreased feelings of hunger and increased ratings of satiety.[20] Other soluble fiber forms such as glucomannan have also been studied in relationship to blood sugar and fat digestion in obese patients.[25]

## Side effects

[edit]

Abruptly adding elevated amounts of fibre to the diet too quickly can lead to intestinal gas, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, cramping, and constipation.[26] It is therefore better to regulate and moderate daily fibre intake. If increased fibre intake is desired, gradually increasing the amount over a few days allows the natural bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to adjust to the change. Drinking 1- 2 L of water every day can prevent some uncomfortable symptoms by making the stool soft and bulky.

The risk of intestinal obstruction from insoluble fiber in susceptible individuals,[27] fluid imbalance leading to dehydration and mineral deficiencies may increase if more than 50 g of fibre is ingested per day. For this reason, individuals who decide to suddenly double or triple their fibre intake are often advised to double or triple their water intake. In addition, excessive intake of non-fermentable fibre (typically in supplemental form) may lead to mineral deficiencies by reducing the absorption or increasing the excretion of minerals, especially when mineral intake is too low or when mineral needs are increased such as during pregnancy, lactation, or adolescence.

Excessive fibre intake can also contribute to nutrient and drug interactions. For example, antidepressant medications, diabetes medications, carbamazepine,[28] cholesterol-lowering medications and penicillin. According to figures from Public Health England (PHE), most Britons are not getting enough fiber from their diets. Findings from the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey reveal that the average Briton consumes 18g of fiber each day; however, this is significantly below the recommended intake of 30g.[citation needed]

## Common supplements

[edit]

Product Name | Soluble / Insoluble | Ingredients | Capsule / Powder

|
|
|

Benefiber | S | natural, manufacturing by-product - wheat dextrin (USA), inulin (Canada) | C/P
Citrucel | S | synthetic - methylcellulose | C/P
FenFiber  | S  | natural, whole food - fenugreek  | C
FibreSmart | S/I | natural, whole food - flax | C/P
FiberCon | I | synthetic - calcium polycarbophil | C
Fiber Choice | S | natural, manufacturing by-product - inulin | C
Heather's Tummy Fiber | S | natural, whole food - organic acacia senegal | P
Metamucil | S/I | natural, whole food - psyllium | C/P
Fiberlyze | S/I | natural, whole food - psyllium, corn fiber | P
Natural Brand Psyllium seed husk | S/I | natural, whole food - psyllium | C
PGX | S | natural, manufacturing by-product - glucomannan | C
ReCleanse Fibre Powder | S/I | natural, manufacturing by-product and whole food - inulin/flax | P
ReguFIT  | S/I  | flax-seed, wheat bran, pineapple, oat bran, senna leaves, psyllium husks, stevia, omega 3-6  | P

S=Soluble, I=Insoluble C=Capsule/Tablet, P=Powder

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. (2005). "Dietary Reference Intakes for energy, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein and animo acids". Washington, DC: National Academies Press. Retrieved from http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10490&page=R1
2. ^ a b Slavin JL (October 2008). "Position of the American Dietetic Association: health implications of dietary fiber". Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 108 (10): 1716–31\. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.08.007. PMID 18953766.
3. ^ Marlett JA, McBurney MI, Slavin JL (July 2002). "Position of the American Dietetic Association: health implications of dietary fiber". Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 102 (7): 993–1000\. doi:10.1016/S0002-8223(02)90228-2. PMID 12146567.
4. ^ Whitney, E., & Rolfes, S. R. (2005). Understanding Nutrition. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
5. ^ Davidson MH, Dugan LD, Stocki J, Dicklin MR, Maki KC, Coletta F, et al. (November 1998). "A low-viscosity soluble-fiber fruit juice supplement fails to lower cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic men and women". The Journal of Nutrition. 128 (11): 1927–32\. doi:10.1093/jn/128.11.1927. PMID 9808644.
6. ^ Mee KA, Gee DL (April 1997). "Apple fiber and gum arabic lowers total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in men with mild hypercholesterolemia". Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 97 (4): 422–4\. doi:10.1016/s0002-8223(97)00106-5. PMID 9120199.
7. ^ Knopp RH, Superko HR, Davidson M, Insull W, Dujovne CA, Kwiterovich PO, et al. (July 1999). "Long-term blood cholesterol-lowering effects of a dietary fiber supplement". American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 17 (1): 18–23\. doi:10.1016/S0749-3797(99)00039-2. PMID 10429748.
8. ^ Dietary Supplement Guide
9. ^ Zunft HJ, Lüder W, Harde A, Haber B, Graubaum HJ, Koebnick C, Grünwald J (October 2003). "Carob pulp preparation rich in insoluble fibre lowers total and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients". European Journal of Nutrition. 42 (5): 235–42\. doi:10.1007/s00394-003-0438-y. PMID 14569404. S2CID 20864982.
10. ^ Vitanzo PC, Hong ES (July 2000). "Does a high-fiber dietary supplement of wheat bran reduce the recurrence rate of colorectal adenomas?". The Journal of Family Practice. 49 (7): 656. PMID 10923579.
11. ^ Ornstein, M. H., Littlewood, E. R., Baird, I. M., Fowler, J., North, W. R. S., & Cox, A. G. (1981). Are fibre supplements really necessary in diverticular disease of the colon? A controlled clinical trial. British Medical Journal (Clin Res Ed), 282(6273), 1353.
12. ^ American Association of Cereal Chemists http://www.aaccnet.org/meetings/2000/Abstracts/a00ma043.htm Archived 2009-09-23 at the Wayback Machine
13. ^ Giannini EG, Mansi C, Dulbecco P, Savarino V (March 2006). "Role of partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome". Nutrition. 22 (3): 334–42\. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2005.10.003. PMID 16413751.
14. ^ Calame W, Weseler AR, Viebke C, Flynn C, Siemensma AD. (2008). Acacia establishes prebiotic functionality in healthy human volunteers. Br J Nutr. 2008 May 9:1-7.
15. ^ a b Cherbut, C.; Michel, C.; Raison, V.; Kravtchenko, TP; Meance, S. (2003). "Acacia Gum is a bifidogenic dietary fiber with high digestive tolerance in healthy humans". Microbial Ecol Health Dis. 15: 43–50\. doi:10.1080/08910600310014377.
16. ^ Bliss DZ, Jung HJ, Savik K, Lowry A, LeMoine M, Jensen L, et al. (2001). "Supplementation with dietary fiber improves fecal incontinence". Nursing Research. 50 (4): 203–13\. doi:10.1097/00006199-200107000-00004. PMID 11480529. S2CID 8111272.
17. ^ Francis CY, Whorwell PJ. (1999). Bran and irritable bowel syndrome: time for reappraisal. Lancet. 1994 Jul 2;344(8914):39-40
18. ^ a b Heaton KW (December 1973). "Food fibre as an obstacle to energy intake". Lancet. 2 (7843): 1418–21\. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(73)92806-7. PMID 4128728.
19. ^ Slavin JL (March 2005). "Dietary fiber and body weight". Nutrition. 21 (3): 411–8\. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2004.08.018. PMID 15797686.
20. ^ a b c Pasman WJ, Saris WH, Wauters MA, Westerterp-Plantenga MS (August 1997). "Effect of one week of fibre supplementation on hunger and satiety ratings and energy intake". Appetite. 29 (1): 77–87\. doi:10.1006/appe.1997.0091. PMID 9268427. S2CID 12242222.
21. ^ Evans E, Miller DS (1975). "Bulking agents in the treatment of obesity". Nutrition and Metabolism. 18 (4): 199–203\. doi:10.1159/000175595. PMID 1196549.
22. ^ Slavin JL (March 2005). "Dietary fiber and body weight". Nutrition. 21 (3): 411–8\. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2004.08.018. PMID 15797686.
23. ^ Khossousi A, Pal S, Binns CW, Dhaliwal SS (December 2005). "The acute effects of a high fibre meal on postprandial blood lipids and satiety". Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 14 (Supplement): 565.
24. ^ Evans E, Miller DS (1975). "Bulking agents in the treatment of obesity". Nutrition and Metabolism. 18 (4): 199–203\. doi:10.1159/000175595. PMID 1196549.
25. ^ Walsh DE, Yaghoubian V, Behforooz A (1984). "Effect of glucomannan on obese patients: a clinical study". International Journal of Obesity. 8 (4): 289–93\. PMID 6096282.
26. ^ Wei ZH, Wang H, Chen XY, Wang BS, Rong ZX, Wang BS, et al. (July 2009). "Time- and dose-dependent effect of psyllium on serum lipids in mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia: a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials". European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 63 (7): 821–7\. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2008.49. PMID 18985059.
27. ^ Hillemeier C (November 1995). "An overview of the effects of dietary fiber on gastrointestinal transit". Pediatrics. 96 (5 Pt 2): 997–9\. doi:10.1542/peds.96.5.997. PMID 7494680.
28. ^ Ettinger AB, Shinnar S, Sinnett MJ, Moshe SL (1992). "Carbamazepine-induced constipation". J Epilepsy. 5 (3): 191–193\. doi:10.1016/S0896-6974(05)80140-9.

## External links

[edit]

* Oregon State Univ. Micronutrient Information Center - Fiber