What kind of fiber does benefiber have

ANSWER: When consumed at recommended levels, dietary fiber is widely recognized to have health benefits, including relief of constipation. Adult women 50 and younger should consume at least 25 grams of fiber a day. Women 51 and older should have at least 21 grams a day. Adult men need at least 38 grams of fiber a day if they are younger than 50 and at least 30 grams of fiber a day if they are 51 and older.

Ninety percent of the U. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Many cereals, such as bran flakes, are good sources of fiber. Although fiber supplements can fill the daily fiber gap, they usually have only one type of fiber, rather than a variety of fibers and micronutrients, and they may not provide all the health benefits associated with fiber in food. Therefore, boost your fiber intake in your diet first by eating a wide variety of high-fiber foods.

Many fiber supplements can be used regularly long term. Fiber is classified as soluble or insoluble. Soluble fibers are more fermentable and may cause gas. You are about to leave Benefiber. Clicking on this link means that you have chosen to leave our website. If you do not wish to leave this site, click Cancel. Or, click OK to continue. Ok Cancel. Fiber diet. Facebook Twitter Email. Fiber Types and Health Benefits There are two types of fiber—soluble and insoluble—that are required for a healthy diet.

Sources of Fiber Fortunately, many foods that are tasty to eat are also high in fiber. Hu, X. Gao, Q. Zhang, Y. Fu, K. Li, S. Zhu, and D. National Library of Medicine, Dec. Related Articles. The charts below describe other similarities and differences of Benefiber and Metamucil. In addition to treating constipation, Metamucil may also help lower your cholesterol levels, and may improve your blood sugar control if you have type 2 diabetes.

Benefiber, on the other hand, is not approved for these uses. Fiber can also decrease your appetite by making you feel fuller for a longer time. However, these fiber supplements do not appear to help with weight loss directly. You can take Benefiber or Metamucil up to three times per day, but you should increase how often you take it slowly.

Start by taking it once each day. You can work up to taking the supplement three times per day over the course of one to two weeks. Benefiber comes in as a powder. The standard adult dosage of Benefiber is two teaspoons. You can mix the powder with four to eight ounces of a beverage, such as:.

The standard adult dosage of Metamucil powder is one rounded teaspoon mixed with at least eight ounces of a cool liquid, such as:. The standard adult dosage for the capsules is two to five capsules per serving. Start with two capsules per serving to see how it affects you, and then increase your dosage if needed. You can take up to four servings per day.

The typical dosage is two wafers with at least eight ounces of a hot or cold drink. You can have up to three servings per day. The dosage for Metamucil or Benefiber for children who are years old is the same as the adult dosage.

Children who are years old can take one teaspoon of Benefiber mixed with four to eight ounces of a beverage or soft food. For children who are 5 years or younger, ask their doctor for the recommended dosage of Benefiber and Metamucil. Children can take either supplement up to three times per day. However, you should increase how often they take the supplement slowly: It should take one to two weeks to reach the maximum dosage per day.

Benefiber and Metamucil can cause similar side effects, such as stomach cramping and gas. These effects may be more likely when you first start taking the supplement.

Gas and stomach cramping tend to go away after a few weeks, but you can help reduce these side effects by increasing your dosage slowly over one to two weeks. Drinking plenty of fluids while taking these supplements can also help ease side effects.

In rare cases, these supplements can cause serious side effects.