Products
Dietary fibers are commercially available in the form of powders and granules, among others, as medicinal products and dietary supplements. In pharmacies and drugstores, they are also available as open goods. In foods, dietary fibers are found in cereals, vegetables, fruits and nuts, among others.
Structure and properties
Dietary fibers are usually derived from plants and are substances that cannot be broken down into their components by the body’s digestive enzymes in the small intestine. These include, for example, mucilages, oligosaccharides, lignins, beta-glucans, pectins, gums, celluloses and hemicelluloses. Typically, they are polysaccharides (i.e., carbohydrates) or polyphenols (lignin). A distinction can be made between water-soluble and -insoluble representatives.
Effects
Dietary fiber enters the large intestine undigested, where it increases stool volume. This stimulates intestinal activity and facilitates bowel emptying. They give the intestinal contents a soft texture and promote their lubrication. Many dietary fibers swell together with water, which leads to a strong increase in volume. Dietary fibers such as pectins can be broken down (fermented) in the intestine by the bacterial flora. This makes them additionally effective as so-called prebiotics. Short-chain fatty acids are formed, which perform important physiological functions. Dietary fiber can increase satiety, reduce appetite and delay the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This lowers blood glucose levels. In addition, they have lipid-lowering properties and lower blood lipid levels (cholesterol, LDL). Foods rich in dietary fiber are considered healthy and are likely to prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes and cancers of the intestine.
Indications for use
- Prevention and treatment of constipation.
- To regulate and soften the stool in hemorrhoids and an anal fissure.
- After surgical procedures, in bedridden and convalescence.
- Pregnancy, postpartum.
- Intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.
- To reduce appetite in overweight and obesity.
- Because fiber binds water, it can also be administered in cases of diarrhea.
- As a dietary supplement for fortification for a healthy diet.
Dosage
According to the package leaflet. Dietary fiber should be taken with sufficient liquid. For appetite suppression, products are administered before meals. Adults should consume approximately 30 g daily with food according to DACH reference values.
Active ingredients
In pharmacy, the following agents, among others, are important (selection):
- Agar
- Psyllium
- Guar
- Indian flea seed
- Locust bean gum
- Flaxseed
- Pectin
- Sterculia gum
- Tragacanth
- Wheat bran
- Xanthan gum
Contraindications
Contraindications include (selection):
- Hypersensitivity
- Narrowing of the esophagus
- Difficulty swallowing
- Intestinal obstruction
- Intestinal constriction
- Intestinal paralysis
- Abdominal pain of unknown cause
- Children (depending on the active substance)
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances such as a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain and flatulence, and allergic reactions.
