Fiber and prebiotic supplements

Understand how fiber helps digestion and what to consider when your usual meals do not provide enough.

photograph of a pear, oats, white beans and a folded teal napkin. — Foods provide different types of fiber as well as other nutrients.

What it does

Fiber is a part of plant foods that your body does not fully digest. It helps bowel function. Some fiber also feeds bacteria in the gut; fiber used this way is called prebiotic fiber.

When it may help

A supplement may help increase fiber intake when food changes are not enough or are difficult to maintain. The type of fiber matters because different fibers affect bowel habits differently.

What to keep in mind

A fiber powder does not provide everything found in vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grains. It is not a treatment for every cause of constipation or bloating.

How this relates to energy

Fiber is not an energy supplement. Improving bowel comfort may make eating and daily routines easier, but that is different from showing that fiber powder reduces fatigue.

Do not assume tiredness and digestive symptoms mean you need more fiber. Persistent symptoms, especially with pain or unexplained weight loss, need medical advice.

What to look for

Grams and type of fiber

Read the amount of fiber, not just the weight of the powder. Look for the named fiber source.

A gradual change

Allow your digestion to adjust as your total fiber intake increases. Drink adequate fluids.

Simple ingredients

Check for sweeteners or added ingredients that have caused symptoms for you before.

Independent quality testing

Look for independent quality testing, such as NSF or USP verification. It checks aspects of product quality, not whether you will benefit.

Prebiotics and probiotics are different

A prebiotic feeds certain gut bacteria. A probiotic contains live microorganisms. Taking one does not mean you need the other, and neither is necessary just because a quiz identifies digestive concerns.

Before taking it

Fiber can cause gas or bloating. If symptoms worsen, stop and reassess rather than increasing the serving.
Ask your pharmacist whether fiber needs to be separated from your medicines. Check with your clinician if you have a bowel condition or ongoing constipation.

Recommended by Dr. Brittany Snustad

Dr. Brittany Snustad recommends Nutrilite Prebiotic Fiber. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on your needs, medicines and other supplements.

Nutrilite™ Prebiotic Fiber

Unflavored fiber powder

30 stick packs · 30 servings
Item 127444

What it contains

8 grams of soluble fiber per stick pack, from tapioca resistant dextrin and acacia fiber.
15 calories and no sugar per serving.

Where this product fits

Prebiotic Fiber can add fiber when intake is low. It may fit a plan for more consistent digestion; an improvement in daytime energy has not been established for this product.

How it is taken

Label directions: dissolve one stick pack in 8–12 fluid ounces of water or another drink, or sprinkle it on food. One daily serving would last 30 days.

Before ordering

Adding fiber can cause gas or bloating. Increase your total fiber gradually and drink enough fluids.
If you take medicines or have persistent digestive symptoms, ask your clinician or pharmacist about using a fiber supplement.
A prebiotic is different from a probiotic. Buying this product does not mean you also need a probiotic.

Full ingredients and Supplement Facts

Products are optional and purchased separately from the Reset Method membership. Member discounts are applied manually while paid membership access is active. Opening the link does not apply the discount.

Impact Health and Dr Snustad earn money from product purchases made through our online store.

If you prefer another brand, we recommend looking for a product with comparable ingredients, amounts and 3rd party testing.

View details and purchase options

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