It all depends on how the company selling the soluble fiber markets it. The FDA lets you call it a bulk laxative if you want it to be considered a drug (like Metamucil), or you can market it as a fiber if you want it considered to be a health supplement (like Benefiber). It is NOT a laxative like stimulant or irritant laxatives. It will relieve constipation, but it will relieve diarrhea just as effectively. And if your bowel movements are totally normal, soluble fiber will just keep them that way. I really hate the term bulk laxative, because it scares so many IBS-D folks away from these products, which will do them so much good. It's like calling rice or barley a "bulk laxative" - really misleading and one my big pet peeves when it comes to fiber supplements.
- Heather
-------------------- Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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Exactly - "bulk laxative" is code for soluble fiber - it's not a true laxative at all...
