Prebiotics

The Viva Saudável Prebiotics and Fibres collection brings together supplements from brands such as Thorne Research, NOW Foods, Suravitasan and Nutergia. You can find inulin in powder and capsule form, psyllium (Plantago ovata), apple fibre, acacia gum and combined formulas, in powder and capsule form.

What fibres can be found in these prebiotics?

Chicory native inulin: contributes to the maintenance of normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 12g of chicory native inulin

What are fibres and how to take them

Dietary fibres are carbohydrates that the human small intestine does not digest. Inulin is a fructan naturally present in chicory root, artichoke, garlic and onion. Psyllium is the husk of the Plantago ovata seed, and forms a gel in contact with water. Acacia gum is the exudate of Acacia senegal.

Always drink plenty of water with any fibre supplement, especially with psyllium — without enough liquid, it can cause obstruction. Increase the dose gradually: going from a low-fibre diet to a high dose all at once usually causes gas and abdominal distension. Space the intake of fibre and medication by at least two hours, because fibre can reduce the absorption of some drugs.