Fibersol Ii
Also known as: Fibersol II, digestion-resistant maltodextrin, resistant dextrin, Fibersol-2
Overview
Fibersol-2 is a water-soluble, fermentable, non-viscous dietary fiber derived enzymatically from corn starch. It is classified as a digestion-resistant maltodextrin, meaning it is not digested in the small intestine but ferments in the colon. Primarily used as a dietary fiber supplement and functional food ingredient, Fibersol-2 aims to improve digestive health, normalize stool consistency, and potentially modulate gut microbiota. Research, predominantly in pediatric populations, suggests it is well-tolerated and can reduce abdominal symptoms like pain, distension, and bloating. While it shows promise for improving digestive comfort, its efficacy in reducing the duration or output of watery diarrhea has not been significantly established in clinical trials.
Benefits
Fibersol-2 has demonstrated several benefits, primarily in digestive health. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in children aged 1–3 years indicate that Fibersol-2 is well tolerated and can significantly reduce abdominal symptoms such as pain, distension, rumbling, and bloating. It has also been observed to improve stool consistency, particularly in children experiencing diarrhea. These effects on digestive symptoms can be seen within 7 days of supplementation. However, it's important to note that a well-powered RCT found no significant reduction in the duration of watery diarrhea or stool output when comparing Fibersol-2 to placebo in children. The primary evidence for benefits comes from young children in rural Bangladesh, confirming its safety and tolerability in this specific demographic. While it improves comfort, its role as a direct treatment for diarrhea duration is not strongly supported by current research.
How it works
Fibersol-2 functions as a soluble dietary fiber by resisting digestion in the human small intestine. Upon reaching the colon, it undergoes fermentation by the resident gut microbiota. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are known to contribute to gut health. Fibersol-2 primarily interacts with the gastrointestinal tract, influencing stool bulk and consistency. Its mechanism is indirect, relying on microbial fermentation rather than direct molecular receptor interaction. Since it is not absorbed, its action is localized within the gut, contributing to a healthy gut environment through its fermentable properties.
Side effects
Fibersol-2 is generally considered well-tolerated in both children and healthy adults, with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Common side effects, if any, are minimal and typically involve mild abdominal symptoms, which often improve during the intervention period. No uncommon (1-5%) or rare (<1%) side effects have been reported in the reviewed studies. There are no known drug interactions associated with Fibersol-2. While no specific contraindications have been established, caution is advised for individuals with severe gastrointestinal disorders due to its fermentable fiber content. Its safety has been specifically demonstrated in young children aged 1–3 years, making it a suitable option for this special population.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Fibersol-2 shown to be safe and tolerable in children is 2.5 grams administered twice daily. Optimal dosage ranges observed in pediatric trials without adverse effects are between 2.5 and 5 grams, also taken twice daily. The maximum safe dose has not been explicitly established, but doses up to 10 grams per day have been used safely in children. Fibersol-2 is typically administered orally, dissolved in water, twice daily. Since it is not absorbed, its efficacy is not dependent on systemic absorption but rather on its local action and fermentation within the gut. No specific cofactors are required for its action.
FAQs
Is Fibersol-2 safe for children?
Yes, clinical trials have confirmed that Fibersol-2 exhibits good safety and tolerability in children aged 1–3 years, with no serious adverse effects reported.
Does Fibersol-2 reduce diarrhea duration?
Current evidence from randomized controlled trials does not support a significant effect of Fibersol-2 on reducing the duration or stool output of watery diarrhea in children.
How quickly does Fibersol-2 work?
Improvements in digestive symptoms, such as reduced abdominal discomfort and improved stool consistency, have been observed within one week of starting Fibersol-2 supplementation.
Is Fibersol-2 better than other fibers?
There are currently no direct comparative randomized controlled trials available in the reviewed literature that compare Fibersol-2 with other common fibers like psyllium.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9484693/ – This RCT investigated the tolerability and effects of Fibersol-2 in 60 children (1-3 years). It found Fibersol-2 to be well-tolerated, reducing abdominal symptoms and improving stool consistency in diarrheal children over 7 days. The study highlights its safety and potential for symptomatic relief.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9882758/ – This RCT with 92 children (1-3 years) with watery diarrhea evaluated Fibersol-2's efficacy. It concluded that Fibersol-2 did not significantly reduce diarrhea duration or stool output compared to placebo, though it confirmed its safety and tolerability in this population.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0280934 – This article, likely the same as the previous one, further analyzes the efficacy of Fibersol-2 in children with watery diarrhea. It reiterates that while safe and tolerable, Fibersol-2 did not show significant efficacy in reducing the duration or severity of diarrhea outcomes.
