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Home arrow Health arrow Gut Health arrow Best Fiber Supplement for IBS: 6 Options for Optimal Digestion

Best Fiber Supplement for IBS: 6 Options for Optimal Digestion

HR_author_photo_Edibel
Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: September 6, 2023
6 min read 1403 Views 0 Reviews
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We cover the 6 best fiber supplements to help alleviate your IBS symptoms.

best fiber supplement for IBS

How do we vet brands and products? Learn more.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder. It comes with a group of symptoms that may come and go, including bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Alongside medicine, self-care is an essential part of treatment, as lifestyle changes can help eliminate things that may trigger IBS symptoms.

Diet is at the top of the list. You can find relief from common ailments by eating a diet with plenty of fresh ingredients and fiber-rich foods. Your doctor might recommend a low FODMAP diet or taking a fiber supplement to boost your daily fiber intake.

Our medical team compiled a list of the best fiber supplements to aid your digestive system if you have irritable bowel syndrome.

Top 3 Supplements for IBS

#1 Best overall star
colonbroom logo
4.7
stars

Suitable for those who have IBS-C

Reduce bloating and inflammation

Helps to regulate bowel movements

Boosts immunity

Learn more
Learn more
#2
Heather's Tummy Fiber Logo
4.1
stars

Contains acacia senegal fiber

Might relieve constipation or diarrhea

Not a laxative

Only one ingredients

Learn more
Learn more
#3
Garden of Life logo
4.0
stars

Made with 5 superfoods

Improves gut microbiome

Gluten and dairy free

Doesn’t mix well

Learn more
Learn More

Best Fiber Supplements for IBS: 6 Options That Might Help Your Gut

The health and wellness market is awash with fiber supplements that make all sorts of claims. It’s difficult to make a decision when you’re hit with so many options, so we’ve done some groundwork for you. We’ve taken into account the principal features, pros, and cons in our review.

Here are 6 supplemental fiber brands to think about trying:

#1 ColonBroom – best for IBS overall

colonbroom logo
Our rating:
4.7
stars
  • Promotes good gut health and a healthy digestive system
  • Facilitates bowel movements
  • May help to feel more satiated
  • Helps regulate blood sugar levels
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ColonBroom is a gentle fiber supplement designed for better gut health. It conquers bloating and frequent bouts of constipation, providing a feeling of lightness in the gut. The organic psyllium husk is a natural fiber that acts as a cleanser, removing accumulated toxins from your gut.

It is a mildly-fermenting, soluble fiber that is proven to help in irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. It attracts water and forms a gel during digestion, adding bulk to stool.

The ColonBroom is an excellent supplement for IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation) because it helps you get back on track with your bowel movements, whether you have diarrhea, constipation, or both.

You can use this strawberry or tropical fruit flavored powder supplement twice daily for the best results. Just mix it with water and drink immediately.

Psyllium husk has other benefits as well. It is proven to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. This fiber supplement might also enhance satiety, resulting in weight loss.

Pros
  • checkmark
    Fights constipation, bloating, and diarrhea
  • checkmark
    Gut-cleansing formula
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    Improves body detoxification
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    Increases energy and promotes sleep quality
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    Boosts metabolism
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    Results occur in the first 24–72 hours
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    Great strawberry or tropical fruits flavors
Cons
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    Comes in two flavors
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    Might cause minor side effects at first

#2 Heather’s Tummy Fiber – best gluten-free option

Heather's Tummy Fiber Logo
Our rating:
4.1
stars
  • Contains acacia fiber which has a high soluble fiber content
  • Might help to relieve constipation and diarrhea
  • Prebiotic fibers feed the beneficial gut bacteria
Learn More

Heather’s Tummy Fiber is a soluble fiber supplement. It’s actually designed for IBS constipation and diarrhea, which means the formula is specially tailored to your needs. The star ingredient in Heather’s Tummy Fiber is organic acacia senegal powder – a soluble fiber.

Called one of the best fiber supplements for IBS, Tummy Fiber has no FODMAPS and is 100% organic.

Acacia fiber in this supplement has prebiotic effects. It increases the good gut bacteria to promote healthy digestion and regulates bowel motility. This supplement also slows colonic fermentation, decreasing excess gas and bloating.

As Heather’s Tummy Fiber claims to be the only soluble fiber supplement for people with IBS, it could be worth a try.

Pros
  • checkmark
    Helps reduce gas and bloating
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    Healthy for long-term use
  • checkmark
    Tasteless
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    No gluten, FODMAPS, additives, or artificial sweeteners
Cons
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    Expensive if used regularly
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    Takes time to start working
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    Doesn’t dissolve well in cold or boiling hot water

#3 Dr. Formulated Organic Fiber – best for promoting a healthy microbiome

Garden of Life logo
Our rating:
4.0
stars
  • Contains 5 organic superfoods and non-GMO whole foods
  • Promotes gut health
Learn More

Dr. Formulated Organic Fiber is an organic source of prebiotic fiber. Prebiotic fiber travels to your lower digestive tract, feeding the friendly bacteria in your gut and helping it grow. This supplement is designed to promote a healthy microbiome.

Prebiotics are beneficial for improving overall digestive health, promoting a happier gut, and improving IBS symptoms. The creators of this supplement made sure it was made for ease of use. It’s a great way of getting more fiber into your diet with just a single spoonful.

Pros
  • checkmark
    Available in citrus flavor and unflavored
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    Gluten- and dairy-free
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    Vegan
Cons
  • checkmark
    Made in a facility that processes eggs, milk, and soy
  • checkmark
    Expensive for a small bag

#4 Metabolic BioMaintenance – nourishes the gut 

Metabolic BioMaintenance Logo
Our rating:
3.9
stars
  • Promotes beneficial gut bacteria
  • Nourishes the cells in the gut
  • Promotes regularity
Learn More

Metabolic BioMaintenance is a prebiotic fiber supplement. The 5 grams of dietary fiber in this formula helps you keep a healthy microbiome by increasing the good bacteria in the gut, which plays an important role in IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders.

The Metabolic BioMaintenace supplement doesn’t necessarily treat IBS symptoms, but it can promote regular and healthy bowel movements by keeping your digestive health in good shape. You can also benefit from better immune function, as a healthful microbiome can encourage balance in the immune system.

Pros
  • checkmark
    Boosts immune function
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    May aid weight management by boosting satiety
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    Gluten- and dairy-free
Cons
  • checkmark
    Expensive
  • checkmark
    It doesn’t directly target common IBS symptoms

#5 FiberCon – best for easing constipation

FiberCon logo
Our rating:
3.8
stars
  • Promotes bowel regularity
  • Reduces bloating and gas
Learn More

FiberCon is a bulk-forming laxative for occasional constipation relief. As constipation is a top IBS symptom, this 100% insoluble fiber supplement is a good choice for making bowel movements easier. Insoluble fibers create a bulking action that helps stool move through your system.

FiberCon creators describe this product as bulk-forming fiber therapy. Unlike most supplemental fiber that comes in powder form, FiberCon is a convenient oral caplet. The insoluble fiber in FiberCon is non-fermentable, which means it won’t cause gas production or abdominal bloating.

Pros
  • checkmark
    Non-fermentable fiber that won’t cause excess gas
  • checkmark
    Oral caplet for convenience
  • checkmark
    Usually triggers a bowel movement within 12–72 hours
Cons
  • checkmark
    Not suitable for long-term use
  • checkmark
    Designed solely for occasional bouts of constipation

#6 Citrucel – best for managing occasional constipation

Citrucel logo
Our rating:
3.6
stars
  • Provides constipation relief
  • Won’t cause gas production in the large intestine
Learn More

Citrucel with methylcellulose fiber is a supplement made for irregularity in the bathroom. This product contains 100% non-fermentable, soluble fiber. The gentle formula works to provide relief for occasional constipation by increasing your soluble fiber intake to promote a bowel movement

Methylcellulose is a non-allergenic fiber and is the primary ingredient in this supplement. It acts as a bulk-forming laxative that triggers movement of the intestines. It also increases the water content of the stool, which softens it and makes it easier to evacuate the bowels.

Pros
  • checkmark
    Available in powder and caplet form
  • checkmark
    Takes 12–72 hours to feel relief
  • checkmark
    Great flavor
Cons
  • checkmark
    Gas and stomach cramps may occur in some people
  • checkmark
    Can cause choking without adequate water intake

How We Tested

Testing supplements is important for determining their quality and overall effectiveness. Nobody wants to invest in something that doesn’t work. So, we examine each product’s essential features, strengths, and weaknesses before reaching a conclusion in our review.

Below, you can see the criteria we followed to reach a verdict.

Quality

We should never sacrifice quality when caring for our health. This is especially true when putting something into our bodies, like supplements. The best supplements are high-quality and contain natural ingredients in their formulas. It shows that the greatest care has been taken when perfecting the recipe.

Effectiveness

If it doesn’t work, why bother?

Supplements should do what they say on the packaging. We studied the ingredient lists to assess how well our chosen products work. Supplemental fiber should contain active ingredients that benefit the digestive system, like natural fibers and other nutrients for a happy gut.

For instance, ColonBroom is a popular fiber supplement because it contains psyllium husk, which is considered a superstar ingredient. This natural dietary fiber can provide relief for constipation, diarrhea, and other intestinal problems. It can also regulate blood glucose levels.

Price

Price is important because when you find the right fiber supplement, you will want to buy it regularly. Supplementing fiber in your diet shouldn’t cost the earth. While one might assume the most expensive product is the best, finding one that ticks the boxes for a reasonable price is better.

Brand reputation

A brand should genuinely care about the products they produce. Their ethos should clearly promote long-term health for customers with realistic results. Our selection of supplements comes from legitimate health companies that seem sincere in their mission to better health and treat digestive disorders.

Comparing the Best Fiber Supplements for IBS

Comparison Winner: ColonBroom
4.7
stars
4.1
stars
4.0
stars
3.9
stars
3.8
stars
3.6
stars
Brand
ColonBroom
Heather’s Tummy Fiber
Dr. Formulated Fiber
Metabolic BioMaintenance
FiberCon
Citrucel
Pros

Fights bloating, constipation, and diarrhea

Cleanses the gut and detoxes the body

Increases energy and metabolism

Zero sugar

Fast-friendly

Created especially for people with IBS

Fights constipation and diarrhea

Reduces gas and bloating

Contains prebiotics for healthy gut bacteria

Targets the digestive tract to promote a healthy gut

Contains organic superfoods

Available to purchase in flavored and unflavored varieties

Promotes healthy gut microbiome

Nourishes gut cellular health

Boosts the immune system

Promotes regularity

Provides bloating and gas relief

Caplet form for convenience and easy use

Provides constipation relief

Gently bulks the stool to encourage bowel movements

Available to purchase in powder and caplet form to suit your preference

Cons

Only one flavor

Might cause bloating in the first few days of use as the body adapts to fiber intake

It is expensive if you plan to use this supplement regularly

Promotes gut health but doesn’t target common symptoms of IBS

Expensive for what you get May contain traces of soy

Expensive

It doesn’t target common symptoms like constipation and diarrhea

Not for long-term use

Targets occasional constipation rather than regular bouts

May cause gas and stomach cramping

Risk of choking with lack of fluid intake

A Word From a Nutritionist

Irritable bowel syndrome affects about 5% of the US population.

It is one of the most commonly diagnosed functional gastrointestinal disorders. It is a symptom-based disorder that primarily causes abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits. IBS patients may experience constipation, diarrhea, excessive gas, stomach bloating, and cramping.

Treatment includes stress management and a healthy diet that eliminates foods that trigger symptoms. A low FODMAP diet removes fermentable carbohydrates that the gut struggles to break down. Low FODMAP foods include proteins, wheat grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Physicians often recommend increasing fiber intake to keep your gut strong. Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that’s necessary for digestive function. You should eat a range of soluble and insoluble fiber sources.

Fiber-rich foods include oatmeal, wheat bran, wholemeal bread, bulgur wheat, brown rice, broccoli, and berries. Wheat bran supplementation is advocated as a primary treatment for people with IBS.

Those without enough soluble and insoluble fiber in their diets can benefit from fiber supplementation. Dietary fiber feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut, helping it flourish to keep your gastrointestinal system happy. A lack of fiber can irritate or worsen IBS symptoms.

You can benefit from taking a fiber supplement. Fiber supplementation is considered a safe and effective strategy to reduce IBS symptoms. In addition, dietary fiber has further health benefits. It can improve glycemic control, lower cholesterol levels.

A supplement is not a substitute for fiber sources in the diet. You should continue to eat a variety of fiber types and nutrients from whole foods. The supplement is simply there to boost your daily intake and ensure you get an adequate amount for proper digestive function.

Remember, fiber tolerance differs from person to person and too much fiber can have adverse effects on IBS.

Conclusion

Everyone is different and may have different needs for a fiber supplement. To help combat IBS symptoms like constipation and bloating, we think ColonBroom is the top choice. It contains essential psyllium fiber that improves the gut microbiota and cleanses your digestive system.

Other great options for those with IBS are Heather’s Tummy Fiber and Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Fiber.

Make sure you get medical advice from your doctor before supplementing fiber. They can guide you toward the right product for you based on your current health and ensure that the ingredients of your preferred product will not adversely affect your IBS condition.

Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
Edibel Quintero is a medical doctor who graduated in 2013 from the University of Zulia and has been working in her profession since then. She specializes in obesity and nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sports massage and post-operative rehabilitation. Edibel’s goal is to help people live healthier lives by educating them about food, exercise, mental wellness and other lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life.
The article was fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
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HR_author_photo_Edibel
Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: September 6, 2023
6 min read 1403 Views 0 Reviews
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