Do you need a fibre supplement?

Here's when to consider boosting your intake of the digestive-friendly and heart-healthy nutrient

- Kunal Dole

A new study published in the journal Nature Communications earlier this year found that people over 60 years who took prebiotic fibre supplements for 12 weeks showed a significant improvement in memory and thinking tests compared with those who didn't.

Fibre supports a healthy gut microbiome, which produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that may have neuroprotective effects, says Neelima Bisht, chief clinical nutrition, dietetics department, Paras Health, Gurugram. "These SCFAs are believed to reduce inflammation and improve cognitive functions, potentially delaying or mitigating age-related cognitive decline," she adds.

Agrees Dr Vaishali Lokhande, senior consultant, general medicine, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai: "The connection between gut health and brain function is becoming clearer, with fibre playing a key role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. For those over 60, incorporating fibre—whether through food or supplements—could be a simple yet effective way to support cognitive health. A varied diet, rich in traditional foods like ragi and millets, along with regular exercise and mental engagement, is equally important," she adds.

While the results of the new study are fascinating and the many benefits of dietary fibre are well-known, such as digestion, weight control, heart health and prevention of chronic diseases, some questions are bound to pop up in your mind. What exactly is a fibre supplement? Is a fibre supplement just as good as fibre from food? Are there any side-effects?

Crucial component

Dietary fibre or roughage is the portion of plant-derived food that cannot be completely broken down by human digestive enzymes. Dietary fibres are diverse in chemical composition and can be grouped generally by their solubility, viscosity and fermentability, which affect how fibres are processed in the body.