Benefiber Review – Does it Really Work?

What is Benefiber?

This series of powders offers flavored and unflavored portable beverage sticks and a weight loss formula with the same basic form of fiber. By introducing all natural wheat dextrin this product claims to help keep you regular all without any added stimulants.

It’s readily available in many stores and it is intended for people 12 and older. So how effective is this fiber source and can it provide results?

Time to figure out what this product is made out of.

Who makes it?

Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. has its main offices in Switzerland, in 2024 they were the most profitable pharmaceutical by making $57.9 billion in sales.

During 2005 the company was sued and pleaded guilty to bribing doctors and offering incentives for doctor recommendation of their products. In 2024 the US government sued this company once again for the same reasons..  Once again they were sued for their false labeling of three products whose claims were exaggerated.

In Japan the company was found to manipulate claims of a drug they patented where clinical trial data was altered to seem better than it actually was.

How (and) does it work?

Offered in tasteless or flavored powders, this product has wheat dextrin as its main active ingredient. It can be added to recipes and it’s made for all cold and hot beverages except carbonated ones.

Due to it not thickening it can be versatile and used in many things. It works by binding to fatty acids which in turn slows down digestion and reduces the effect of blood sugar. It basically forms to create a gel that helps reduce fat.

According to the UCSF Medical Center, roughly 8 grams of soluble fiber are needed per day for an overall healthy body. Currently the basic powder of Benefiber provides 3 grams of soluble fiber. It’s important to make sure to get enough water as a sudden increase in fiber can have many potential  health complications.

While soluble fiber is a good source, since you only need about 8 grams a day of it, many sources such as fruits, grains, veggies and legumes already have a good amount.

This product is recommended to be taken in watch of a medical professional in order for it to not interact with medication, vitamins and mineral absorption, and in case of any wheat allergies.

What’s inside of it and are there side effects?

Unfortunately their flavored version has food coloring and artificial ingredients. To avoid these potentially harmful additives we recommend all natural products with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Wheat Dextrin: Form of soluble fiber taken from wheat grain, it is added in order to promote reduction in hunger and less LDL cholesterol.
• FD&C Red #40: Food dye added for its bright red color, it may cause allergies.
• Acesulfame Potassium: Sugar substitute without calories. Although considered safe by the FDA, studies have shown that long term use in mice increased genetic diseases.

Potential Side Effects:

Bloating, diarrhea, constipation, dehydration, loss of mineral and vitamin absorption, loss of medication absorption, and cramping.

What’s good about it?

Widely available in many retailers and product is available flavored and unflavored. Also can be added to many beverages and foods.

What’s bad about it?

This product is available with just one ingredient that can be found naturally in similar foods. Some may like the convenience of taking a powder but it then becomes important to supplement correctly. One has to make sure to drink enough water as complications may occur such as constipation and upset stomach.

Although the amount of gluten is low and in fact it is labeled gluten free, there still is gluten inside . The manufacturers mention to consult a medical professional in order to make sure it won’t have negative effects with those who have gluten intolerance.

Supplements high in fiber can also increase bathroom trips as well as reduce the intake of vitamins and minerals. Though this product is all natural some may need to watch out fo the sudden increase in fiber. IBS symptoms have been shown to increase in some.

It’s recommended to wait 2 to 4 hours before taking a medication as it may decrease its effects. Due to the absorption of this product it may affect many parts of your life where routine scheduling needs to be considered. Increasing water becomes important, watching for intake of medications, making sure you get enough vitamins and minerals and making sure you slowly add in order to avoid potential fiber related issues. Heavy stools and gas have been reported with sudden increases of soluble fiber.

Their flavor drink mix also has a mixture of artificial ingredients like food coloring which may not be tolerated well in some. Their “Healthy Shape” formula only has 2 more grams of fiber which also can exacerbate the symptoms of sudden fiber increase. Being less hungry is the only thing offered as far as weight loss and for some this isn’t enough for long term results.

Wrap Up

Though fiber is a great addition to diets, it’s easier absorbed when you attain it thru real foods as opposed to extracts. Suddenly increasing fiber without the extra vitamins and minerals found in fiber rich foods can have a series of embarrassing bathroom problems. Also you may end up losing vitamins and minerals in the process since the gel like fiber floods the stomach. A real solution to weight loss is easier when supplementing with products not meant to increase bathroom stools.

Bottom Line:

Although convenient this product is a far cry from being an all around useful product for weight loss.  There are well rounded, powerful and all natural solutions to help you in your fitness goals.

Weight loss thru bathroom trips is not a great example of a functional supplement. Instead of that you can gain results with less invasive and more satisfying products that can offer you fat reduction.

Check top 10 weight loss pills