Fibersol 2 Fiber
Also known as: Fibersol-2, soluble dietary fiber, Resistant Maltodextrin
Overview
Fibersol-2 is a branded form of resistant maltodextrin, a water-soluble, indigestible dextrin produced by enzymatic treatment of corn starch. It is classified as a soluble resistant starch fiber. This manufactured dietary fiber resists digestion in the small intestine and ferments in the colon, acting as a prebiotic. Its primary uses include improving digestive health, enhancing stool consistency, and potentially supporting metabolic parameters. Fibersol-2 is characterized by its low viscosity, high water solubility, resistance to digestion, and fermentability by gut microbiota. While several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies exist, systematic reviews specific to Fibersol-2 are limited, indicating a moderate level of research maturity. Evidence on its tolerability and digestive effects is emerging, with broader fiber intake meta-analyses providing indirect support for its benefits.
Benefits
Fibersol-2 offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to digestive health and potentially broader metabolic improvements. A randomized trial in children aged 1–3 years demonstrated that Fibersol-2, at doses of 5g twice daily for 7 days, was well tolerated, reducing abdominal symptoms and improving stool consistency, particularly in children experiencing diarrhea. This indicates a clinically meaningful effect on digestive tolerability and stool quality in a vulnerable population. While direct RCTs on Fibersol-2's metabolic effects are limited, meta-analyses of general dietary fiber intake show a significant inverse association between higher fiber intake and metabolic syndrome risk (pooled OR ~0.70). Similarly, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of prospective cohorts indicate that higher total and soluble fiber intake is associated with reduced all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality risk. These broader findings suggest potential metabolic and long-term health benefits for soluble fibers like Fibersol-2, though more specific research is needed. Additionally, Fibersol-2 exhibits potential prebiotic effects through fermentation in the colon, contributing to gut health.
How it works
Fibersol-2, as a resistant maltodextrin, functions by resisting digestion in the small intestine. This allows it to reach the large intestine (colon) intact. Once in the colon, it is fermented by the resident gut microbiota. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are beneficial for colonic health and may have systemic metabolic effects. By increasing stool bulk and water retention, Fibersol-2 helps improve bowel function and stool consistency. Its mechanism of action is primarily indirect, relying on its interaction with the gut microbiome rather than direct molecular targets or absorption into the bloodstream.
Side effects
Fibersol-2 is generally well tolerated in both children and adults at studied dosages, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. The most common side effects, which may occur in more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or rumbling. However, these symptoms were observed to decrease during the intervention period in studies involving children. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) have not been reported in controlled trials, nor have any rare side effects (<1%). There are no known drug interactions associated with Fibersol-2. Contraindications have not been established, but caution is advised for individuals with severe gastrointestinal disorders due to its fermentable fiber content. Fibersol-2 has been specifically demonstrated to be safe and well-tolerated in young children aged 1–3 years, including those experiencing diarrhea, making it a suitable option for this special population.
Dosage
For children aged 1–3 years, a minimum effective dose of 5g twice daily (10g total per day) has demonstrated both tolerability and improvements in digestive symptoms and stool consistency. While optimal dosage ranges for adults are not as well-defined in specific Fibersol-2 RCTs, doses up to 10g per day appear safe and are commonly studied. The maximum safe dose has not been clearly established. Fibersol-2 is typically administered orally as a powder dissolved in water. Timing relative to meals is not considered critical for its efficacy. Since Fibersol-2 is not absorbed in the small intestine, its effectiveness relies on its fermentation in the colon. No specific cofactors are identified as being required for its action.
FAQs
Is Fibersol-2 safe for children?
Yes, randomized controlled trial evidence supports its safety and tolerability in children aged 1–3 years, including those with diarrhea.
Does Fibersol-2 cause bloating?
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating or rumbling may occur initially, but they tend to decrease with continued use.
How quickly does it work?
Improvements in stool consistency and digestive symptoms have been observed within 7 days in pediatric clinical trials.
Is it effective for metabolic health?
While direct RCTs on Fibersol-2 are limited, broader meta-analyses of dietary fiber support the metabolic benefits of soluble fibers.
Can it replace dietary fiber?
Fibersol-2 is a supplement and should complement, not replace, the fiber obtained from whole food sources in your diet.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9484693/ – This randomized controlled trial (Shahid et al., 2022) investigated Fibersol-2 in 60 children (1–3 years) over 7 days. It found that Fibersol-2 (5g BID) was well tolerated, reduced abdominal symptoms, and improved stool consistency, particularly in children with diarrhea. The study was limited by its small sample size and short duration, focusing solely on a pediatric population.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1153165/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis (Yao et al., 2023) of prospective cohorts, involving over 1 million participants, found that higher total and soluble fiber intake was linked to lower all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. While rigorous, the study was observational, and fiber types varied, meaning it was not specific to Fibersol-2.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5793252/ – This meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies (Chen et al., 2017), involving over 10,000 participants, indicated that high fiber intake was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome risk (OR ~0.70). The study was cross-sectional and showed heterogeneity, and its findings were not specific to Fibersol-2, but rather to general fiber intake.
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03565393 – This ClinicalTrials.gov entry provides details for the study NCT03565393, which is a registered trial investigating Fibersol-2. It offers information on the study design, objectives, and participant criteria, supporting the methodology of the Shahid et al. (2022) RCT.
- https://www.fibersol.com/about-fibersol/trusted-history – This source from Fibersol's official website provides background information on the product's history and development. It offers context on the brand's origins and its positioning as a trusted dietary fiber ingredient, though it is not a peer-reviewed research study.