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Fibersol

Also known as: Fibersol-2, resistant maltodextrin, digestion-resistant maltodextrin, soluble dietary fiber, Resistant Dextrin

Overview

Fibersol is a branded form of soluble dietary fiber, specifically a digestion-resistant maltodextrin derived from corn starch. It is classified chemically as a resistant dextrin. Produced by enzymatic treatment of corn starch, Fibersol resists digestion in the small intestine and ferments in the colon. It is widely used as a functional fiber supplement to improve digestive health, regulate blood lipids, and support glycemic control, often added to foods and beverages for fiber enrichment. Key characteristics include high solubility, low viscosity, neutral taste, and stability in heat and acid. It is fermentable by gut microbiota, contributing to its beneficial effects. While research on soluble fibers and resistant maltodextrins is extensive, specific data on Fibersol as a branded ingredient are more limited, though systematic reviews and meta-analyses support its health benefits.

Benefits

Fibersol, as a soluble dietary fiber, offers several evidence-based benefits. A primary effect is the improvement in lipid profile; a 2023 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on soluble fiber supplementation, including resistant maltodextrins, demonstrated significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol with each 5 g/day increase in soluble fiber intake, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits. This suggests a clinically relevant reduction in cardiovascular risk. Another significant benefit is the improvement in chronic constipation. A systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that fiber supplementation, particularly soluble fibers like resistant maltodextrins, effectively improves chronic constipation symptoms, with doses greater than 10 g/day and treatment durations of at least 4 weeks being optimal for meaningful symptom improvement. Additionally, there are potential modest improvements in glycemic control and body weight management in overweight or obese adults, as suggested by a 2025 meta-analysis on dietary fibers. Adults with dyslipidemia, chronic constipation, overweight, or obesity may benefit most from Fibersol supplementation. Benefits on constipation are typically observed after 4 weeks or more, while lipid improvements may require longer-term intake.

How it works

Fibersol functions primarily by resisting digestion in the small intestine, allowing it to reach the colon largely intact. Once in the colon, it is fermented by the resident gut microbiota. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are key mediators of its beneficial effects. These SCFAs modulate lipid metabolism, influencing hepatic cholesterol synthesis, and also impact gut motility, contributing to improved digestive health. Fibersol's interaction with the body is mainly through the gastrointestinal tract, where it increases stool bulk and frequency. While it does not have direct receptor targets, its effects are largely indirect, mediated by the products of gut microbiota fermentation. Fibersol is not absorbed in the small intestine; instead, the partial absorption of SCFAs produced during colonic fermentation contributes to its systemic effects.

Side effects

Fibersol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and exhibits good tolerability. The most common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, or abdominal discomfort. These symptoms are more likely to occur when Fibersol is introduced rapidly or consumed at high doses. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, include rare instances of mild diarrhea. Serious adverse events have not been reported in high-quality studies, making rare side effects (less than 1%) virtually non-existent. There are no significant drug interactions reported with Fibersol. Specific contraindications are not established, but caution is advised for individuals with severe gastrointestinal disorders. In terms of special populations, Fibersol is considered safe for adults, but data on its use in children and pregnant women are limited, warranting caution or consultation with a healthcare professional in these groups.

Dosage

For optimal benefits, the recommended dosage of Fibersol varies depending on the desired effect. Approximately 5 grams per day is considered the minimum effective dose to observe lipid-lowering effects. For constipation relief and broader metabolic benefits, a higher dose of 10–15 grams per day is generally recommended, with studies indicating that doses greater than 10 grams per day are optimal for improving constipation symptoms. The maximum safe dose is typically up to 20 grams per day, which is generally well tolerated; however, higher doses may increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating and gas. Fibersol can be taken with meals, and a gradual dose escalation is recommended to minimize any potential gastrointestinal discomfort. It is available as a powder or can be incorporated into various foods and beverages. Since Fibersol is not absorbed but fermented in the colon, its effectiveness may vary slightly based on individual gut microbiota composition. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is Fibersol effective for weight loss?

Fibersol may indirectly support weight management by improving satiety and glycemic control, but it is not a standalone weight loss agent and should be part of a broader healthy lifestyle.

Can Fibersol cause bloating?

Mild bloating and gas are possible, especially when starting supplementation or at higher doses. Gradually increasing the dose can help minimize these effects.

How long before effects are seen?

Constipation relief typically occurs within 4 weeks of consistent use. Lipid improvements may take longer, requiring sustained intake for noticeable changes.

Is it safe long-term?

Yes, long-term use of Fibersol is considered safe, with no serious adverse effects reported in studies, making it suitable for sustained supplementation.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10201678/ – This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis by Ghavami et al. (2023) investigated the effects of soluble fiber supplementation on lipid profiles in adults with dyslipidemia. The study found that soluble fiber significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol, with a notable reduction for every 5 g/day increase in intake. This high-quality research provides strong evidence for the cardiovascular benefits of soluble fibers, including resistant maltodextrins like Fibersol, despite heterogeneity in fiber types.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35816465/ – Van der Schoot et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs on fiber supplementation for chronic constipation. The study concluded that fiber, particularly psyllium and resistant maltodextrins, effectively improves constipation symptoms, with optimal results observed at doses exceeding 10 g/day and durations of at least 4 weeks. This high-quality study supports Fibersol's efficacy in managing chronic constipation, despite some heterogeneity in the included studies.
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/83/7/e1544/7958441 – Xiang et al. (2025) performed a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the impact of various dietary fibers, including resistant maltodextrins, on metabolic health indicators in overweight/obese adults. The findings suggest that different dietary fibers can improve metabolic health, though effects vary by fiber specificity. This moderate-quality study provides emerging evidence for Fibersol's potential role in metabolic health, acknowledging the heterogeneity in study designs and limited direct data on Fibersol itself.