They might not be as well known as multivitamins or omega-3s, but there are many different fibre supplements on the market. They range from ‘high-fibre blends’ to capsules of specific powdered foods like psyllium husk and inulin, and even prebiotic fibres blended into drinks or tablets.

A 2017 paper from the Mayo Clinic labelled these supplements as functional fibre – isolated non-digestable carbohydrates that are found in supplements – and noted that it different from dietary fibre, the type we eat. The question is whether these functional fibres can have the same benefits.

“Taking fibre supplements can be really useful for people who struggle to eat enough fruit and vegetables or who are limited in eating fibre because of bowel problems,” explains Doctify-reviewed consultant dietitian Sophie Medlin. “I recommend fibre supplements all the time to my patients who have complex colorectal or gastrointestinal problems.”

Fibre supplements: do they have the same gut health benefits as fruit and vegetables?