In recent weeks, patients have faced a concerning situation: Fybogel, the go-to fibre supplement for treating constipation and maintaining regular bowel movements, has been out of stock. This shortage has left numerous patients and regular customers without Fybogel. This post is a comprehensive guide to explore effective Fybogel alternative medicines. In this post, we delve into other fibre supplements, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes that can provide similar benefits to Fybogel.
What is Fybogel?
Fybogel is a fibre supplement used to treat constipation and maintain regular bowel movements. It contains a natural substance called ispaghula husk, a type of soluble fibre. When mixed with water, Fybogel forms a gel-like substance that helps to soften the stools and make them easier to pass. This can be beneficial for individuals suffering from constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other conditions where bowel regularity is a concern.
Fybogel is typically available in the form of sachets containing granules which are dissolved in water to make a drink. The ispaghula husk in Fybogel works by absorbing water into the intestine, increasing the volume of the stools, and promoting peristalsis, the natural movement of the intestines to pass stools.
How much fibre does Fybogel provide?
Each sachet contains 3.5g ispaghula husk.
The content of ispaghula husk will help to compare Fybogel to other products.
Is generic Fybogel out of stock, or discontinued?
Generic Fybogel, ispaghula husk has also been affected by shortage and has been out of stock since Fybogel went out of stock since the demand increased for a generic replacement.
As of December (’23), all main pharmaceutical wholesalers in the UK had no Fybogel stock, this includes all flavours.
Fybogel is not discontinued, however, no other information about its shortage has been provided. 2023 has been challenging for pharmacies in the UK with many drug shortages reported.
Fybogel alternatives
Whilst Fybogel is out of stock, patients have a choice of Fybogel alternative laxatives, most of which can be purchased online, with some products possibly being available in pharmacies.
1. Fybogel alternative: ispaghula husk granules
One other brand and a generic form of ispaghula husk are listed in the medicines ‘directory’ alongside Fybogel. However, both Ispagel Orange and ispaghula husk have been affected by shortage and currently are unavailable in the UK.
At first, a quick search on Amazon.co.uk reveals poor availability of ispaghula husk, however, plenty of products containing psyllium husk are available.
Psyllium husk vs ispaghula husk
Psyllium husk and ispaghula husk refer to the same substance, derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, a herb commonly grown in India. They are often used interchangeably in the context of dietary supplements and natural health products.
The confusion between the two terms often arises because “psyllium” is the term more commonly used in North America, while “ispaghula” is more commonly used in European countries. Both products are essentially the same, and the differences are mainly in the naming conventions based on regional preferences.
Psyllium husk is available on Amazon in the form of powders and capsules. Below are a few examples of psyllium husk, which can be classified as Fybohel alternative products.
2. Psyllium Husk With Probiotic Acidophilus
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Psyllium Husk available on Amazon.
Psyllium Husk With Probiotic Acidophilus contains psyllium (ispaghula). This supplement comes in the form of capsules. Each capsule contains 2g of ispaghula. The recommended serving of two capsules provides more ispaghula than one sachet of Fybogel. This supplement should be considered by anyone looking for a Fybogel alternative product.
3. Psyllium Husk (NutriONN)
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Another great Fybogel alternative, Psyllium Husk NutriONN capsules contain the same type of soluble fibre. Two capsules (one serving) provide 1.45g of psyllium, which is less than Fybogel content, however, the daily dosage can be adjusted.
4. Organic Psyllium Husk (powder)
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Organic Psyllium Husk (NaturaleBio) comes in the same form as Fybogel. Organic Psyllium Husk powder can be mixed with water, other beverages or foods which form a gel, which is consumed straight away. The formed gel provides for a better volume and consistency of the stool.
5. Psyllium Husk powder (NKD Living)
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Fybogel alternative: Psyllium Husk powder available on Amazon
Another popular option on Amazon and another great example of a Fybogel alternative supplement. This supplement comes also in the form of a powder which can be mixed into drinks and foods.
6. Acacia Senegal Powder
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Acacia Senegal Powder contains different types of soluble fibre. Despite being much more expensive than psyllium husk, Acacia Senegal Powder is still a very popular supplement sold on Amazon.
Acacia powder fibre, often derived from the Acacia Senegal tree, is a type of soluble dietary fibre. It’s a natural, plant-based substance known for its numerous health benefits. Acacia fibre is highly soluble and has a mild taste. It dissolves easily in liquids and does not form a gel-like substance, some other types of soluble fibre, which makes it easy to incorporate into various foods and beverages without altering their texture or taste significantly.
Acacia fibre is known to promote gut health. It aids in digestion and can help regulate bowel movements, making it beneficial for those suffering from constipation. Additionally, it provides a feeling of fullness that can aid in weight management.
5. Fybogel FibreChews
Fybogel FibreChews are made by the same company which produces Fybogel. Fybogel Chews contain soluble dietary fibre (Fibersol-2) which retains moisture in the stool but can also contribute to bulking up the stools, making them easier to pass. Although Fybogel Fibre Chews do not contain the same active ingredient which is found in Fybogel, the end effect is similar to Fybogel.
6. Fybogel alternative: high fibre diet
Foods high in fibre are essential for a healthy diet as they aid in digestion, help maintain bowel health, and can contribute to lowering cholesterol levels and controlling blood sugar. There are two types of dietary fibre: soluble, which dissolves in water, and insoluble, which does not. Many high-fibre foods contain both types. Here’s a list of foods that are particularly high in fibre:
BEANS
- Lentils
- Black beans
- Chickpeas
- Kidney beans
WHOLE GRAINS
- Barley
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat pasta
- Bran (wheat, oats, rice)
NUTS AND SEEDS
- Almonds
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
VEGETABLES
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Artichokes
- Sweet potatoes (with skin)
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
FRUITS
- Apples (with skin)
- Pears (with skin)
- Raspberries
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Avocado
CEREALS
- Bran cereals
- Whole grain cereals
- Psyllium husk-based cereals
Incorporating these foods into your diet can significantly increase your fibre intake. It’s important to do so gradually to allow your digestive system to adjust. Also, ensure adequate water intake, as fibre works best when it absorbs water.
8. Other laxatives alternative to Fybogel
Several other laxatives can be purchased over the counter or prescribed. Read more about over the counter laxatives.
Each type of laxative works differently and may be more suitable for certain situations or individuals. It’s important to use laxatives as directed and to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or ongoing issues with constipation. Overuse or prolonged use of some laxatives, especially stimulant laxatives, can lead to dependency and worsen constipation.
Stimulant Laxatives
Stimulant laxatives work by increasing the contraction of the muscles in the intestines, which helps to move stool through the bowel.
Examples of laxatives: Senna (Senokot), Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
Osmotic Laxatives
These laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines from surrounding tissues, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.
Examples of laxatives: Lactulose, macrogol-based laxatives (Movicol, Cosmocol, Laxido)
Stool Softeners
Stool softeners add moisture to the stool to prevent it from becoming too hard.
Examples of laxatives: Docusate sodium
Rectal Laxatives
These are administered rectally and work quickly to stimulate bowel movement or soften the stool.
Examples of laxatives: glycerin suppositories, bisacodyl suppositories and enemas.
