Fiber-Plex™
Broad-Spectrum Dietary Fiber Supplement
DESCRIPTION
Fiber-Plex™, provided by Douglas Laboratories®, is a convenient dietary supplement designed to provide a
unique combination of all major classes of naturally occurring dietary fiber. Fiber-Plex capsules supply a
balance of soluble and insoluble, as well as fermentable and non-fermentable dietary fiber.
FUNCTIONS
Dietary fiber is defined as complex carbohydrates that are resistant to the action of digestive enzymes, and
therefore pass through the intestinal tract, unabsorbed. Dietary fiber includes substances such as cellulose,
hemicellulose (xylans, galactans and mannans), pectins, gums, and lignin.
Dietary fiber has many nutritional benefits for the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Insoluble dietary fiber,
such as cellulose and many hemicelluloses, are not efficiently fermented in the colon. As a result, they provide
fecal bulk, bind water, and help soften stools. Soluble dietary fiber, such as pectin, many gums, and some
hemicelluloses, are fermented in the colon to varying degrees. This results in lower colonic pH (acidity) and
the production of short chain fatty acids, which are important for the intestinal microflora and the health of the
mucosal cells. Short chain fatty acids also have a role in facilitating colonic water absorption.
Many insoluble and soluble fiber types bind dietary cholesterol and bile acids in the intestine, and therefore
play an important nutritional role in the enterohepatic circulation of cholesterol and cholesterol metabolism in
general. Most types of dietary fiber, when hydrated, contribute substantially to the volume of stomach contents
and help provide a feeling of fullness. Fiber-Plex was formulated to take advantage of all of the physiological
benefits of fiber by combining a wide variety of insoluble, non-fermentable and soluble, fermentable natural
fiber sources. Glucomannan is a partially fermentable, soluble fiber extracted from the konjac root (yam
family). This hemicellulose fiber is noted for its high water-binding capacity, and may have a beneficial role in
cholesterol metabolism. Carrot and celery powders provide a rich array of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers,
including cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and lignin. Sodium alginate is a soluble partially fermentable fiber
derived from seaweed. Pectin is a soluble dietary fiber noted for its ability to provide beneficial short chain
fatty acids for the colon. Fiber-Plex provides both types of naturally occurring pectins: high- and low-methoxyl
pectins. Slippery elm powder supplies a number of gums and mucilages that are important for the mucous
lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
INDICATIONS
Fiber-Plex may be taken as a dietary supplement for individuals who wish to increase their intake of a broad
spectrum of nutritionally important dietary fiber sources.
FORMULA (#FPC)
Provides approximately 235 mg of total dietary fiber from the following sources:
Glucomannan
Citrus Pectin (high-methoxyl)
Carrot Powder
Apple Pectin (low-methoxyl)
Celery Powder
Slippery Elm Powder
Sodium Alginate
SUGGESTED USE
One to two capsules, one to three times daily as a dietary supplement, or as directed by physician. Take with
plenty of liquids during meals. Capsules may also be opened and contents stirred into beverages or foods
SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse side effects have been reported.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
