Could the Fiber Supplement Industry Be Experiencing a Revival? Getty Images”Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue from the links in this article.”When you think of “fiber powder,” what comes to mind? Do you picture an orange container sitting on your grandmother’s kitchen counter? Or perhaps a TV ad showing a hand mixing a powdery substance into a glass of water? Maybe it’s just the thought of “constipation” whispered in a low voice.It’s fair to say that fiber powder hasn’t exactly had a glamorous image. While celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Venus Williams endorse protein powders, there aren’t many famous faces promoting supplements for digestive health. But perhaps they should be—and maybe they will be soon.A variety of factors, such as the growing popularity of plant-based diets and trendy fiber supplements (like psyllium husk, which some link to weight loss), along with the destigmatization of gut issues on social media (hello, #HotGirlsHaveIBS), are sparking new interest and awareness in the fiber powder industry.This resurgence comes at a critical time, as a recent poll revealed that two-thirds of American adults experience recurring digestive problems. Women, in particular, seem to be more susceptible to certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with nearly double the rate compared to men. Additionally, there has been a concerning rise in colon cancer rates among individuals under the age of 55 (increasing from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019).”Anecdotally, I’ve noticed that my younger patients are increasingly concerned about the rise in early-onset colon cancers (perhaps triggered by the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman) and the obesity epidemic affecting all age groups,” says Dr. Cynthia Quainoo, MD, a gastroenterologist/hepatologist.It’s not surprising that most of us fall short on our fiber intake, which is crucial for maintaining regularity and a healthy gut microbiome. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that women aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, yet the average American only consumes 10 to 15 grams daily.Just a quick reminder: Fiber plays a vital role in our bodies. To break it down, fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies cannot fully digest, with soluble fiber breaking down in water to form a gel-like substance that aids in waste elimination. On the other hand, insoluble fiber remains intact in water, softening and adding bulk to stools for easier passage. It’s important to include both types of fiber in our diets to benefit from their digestive advantages, according to experts.”Fiber adds volume to your stool, making it easier to pass through the digestive tract,” explains Dr. Samantha Nazareth, MD, FACG, a Women’s Health advisory board member specializing in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology/Hepatology. “It helps prevent constipation and reduces
“Our microbiome plays an active role in various aspects of our health, such as brain function, immunity, weight management, and blood sugar regulation. Fiber has also been associated with reduced risks of heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Nazareth recommends meeting dietary fiber needs through whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, and whole grains. However, when whole foods are not readily available, fiber supplementation can be a suitable alternative.
In situations like frequent travel where dietary choices are limited, Dr. Nazareth personally supplements her diet with fiber, mixing psyllium husk with water to meet her nutritional requirements. Other healthcare professionals, like Dr. Quainoo, also advocate for fiber supplementation, suggesting a combination of dietary and supplementary sources to achieve adequate fiber intake.
Fiber sources are abundant and readily accessible, with popular options including psyllium husk, potato starch, guar gum, pectin, and inulin. These sources offer various benefits, such as aiding digestion, providing food for beneficial gut bacteria, and supporting overall gut health. While daily fiber powder supplements are generally safe, it’s advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase intake to prevent digestive issues. It’s important to review product labels for unwanted ingredients like added sugars and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation regimen, especially if you have specific gastrointestinal conditions like IBS.
Individuals, especially women, are increasingly turning to fiber powder supplements to address digestive issues and maintain gut health. Whether seeking regular bowel movements or managing chronic gut problems, incorporating fiber supplements into daily diet routines has become a popular choice.”
Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar and entertainment correspondent Chloe Melas share their experiences with fiber supplements. Gellar highlights the benefits of incorporating fiber, water, and protein powder into her routine, noting improved regularity. Melas, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at a young age, initially relied on pharmaceutical medications with mixed results, including unpleasant side effects. However, after discovering psyllium husk, she experienced relief from symptoms such as bloating and irregularity. Melas, now in remission for two years, credits a combination of traditional medicine and psyllium husk for her improved condition.
Inspired by Melas’s journey and her own struggles with digestive issues, Shannon Race, a co-founder of gut health company Bio.me, sought to create accessible and appealing fiber supplements. Bio.me offers a variety of products, including Daily Prebiotic Fiber and Fiber Rescue, both designed to support gut health. Race’s goal is to make fiber supplementation an easy and enjoyable part of daily life, catering to a diverse range of consumers.
The team behind Bio.me decided on a minimalist approach for their packaging to showcase the science and research behind the product. By choosing sleek, monochromatic pouches, they aimed for a sophisticated simplicity. They hope that this packaging, combined with their efforts to educate consumers on the benefits of gut health, will challenge the stereotype that fiber powder is only for older individuals dealing with constipation.
Despite facing competition in the realm of promoting digestive health, Bio.me remains focused on their path. They aim to differentiate themselves from companies like Seed and Bonny, known for their social media presence and quirky marketing tactics. Instead, Bio.me emphasizes the importance of fiber for overall health without resorting to gimmicky gimmicks or sensationalized marketing strategies.
Race, the founder of Bio.me, believes in the value of their scientific approach and wants to convey the message in a fun yet informative way. She is confident in the direction they have chosen and is committed to promoting the importance of fiber for wellness.
