Does SUSTAGEN constipate you? Understanding the link and staying regular

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Sustagen's own health resources, certain products are formulated with added fibre specifically to support digestive health and bowel regularity. This fact addresses the common question: does SUSTAGEN constipate you? The answer is nuanced, as while some formulations actively prevent it, a diet with insufficient fibre and fluid intake while using any high-protein supplement can contribute to constipation.

Quick Summary

Constipation is not a direct side effect of SUSTAGEN, but it can arise from high-protein intake without enough fibre and water. Addressing hydration, dietary fibre, and product choice can prevent digestive issues. Lactose intolerance in some individuals may also be a contributing factor. Strategies exist to maintain regular bowel function while using nutritional supplements.

Key Points

Not a Direct Cause: SUSTAGEN is not designed to constipate you, but a high-protein, low-fibre diet can lead to it.
Fibre is Key: Certain SUSTAGEN products, like Hospital Formula Plus Fibre, contain added fibre to actively support regular bowel movements.
Hydration is Crucial: Increasing your protein intake without sufficient water can cause dehydration, leading to hard stools and constipation.
Diet Matters: Replacing meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with a supplement can reduce your overall fibre intake.
Lactose Sensitivity: As a milk-based product, some individuals with lactose intolerance may experience digestive distress, including constipation.
Combatting Constipation: Strategies include choosing a high-fibre formula, increasing water consumption, and adding fibre-rich foods to your diet.
Professional Guidance: Consult a healthcare provider or dietitian if constipation is persistent or if you have specific dietary concerns.

Is it a myth or a reality: The truth about SUSTAGEN and constipation

Many nutritional supplements are designed to provide concentrated nutrients for people with increased needs or poor appetites. As a high-protein supplement, Sustagen is no different. However, high-protein intake, especially when replacing fibre-rich whole foods, is a known cause of constipation. The key to understanding if Sustagen is causing your issue lies in the formula you're using and your overall lifestyle.

The role of fibre, protein, and hydration

Protein takes more effort for the body to digest than carbohydrates or fats, and a high-protein diet requires more water for the kidneys to function effectively. If you are not drinking enough fluids, the body will pull water from the intestines, leading to hard, dry stools and constipation. Simultaneously, if you replace fibre-rich foods with a protein-heavy supplement, you remove a crucial component for healthy bowel movements.

The fibre deficit: Many protein supplements, particularly basic whey formulas, contain little to no fibre. Replacing meals rich in vegetables, fruits, and grains with such a supplement can disrupt your digestive rhythm.
The fluid factor: Dehydration is a primary cause of constipation. Without enough fluid, fibre cannot do its job of bulking and softening the stool, making it difficult to pass.
The protein overload: Consuming a large amount of protein in one go, without the supporting elements of fibre and water, places a higher demand on your digestive system, which can slow things down.

Formulations matter: SUSTAGEN with vs. without fibre

Sustagen offers different formulations, and the presence of fibre is a key differentiator when addressing digestive concerns. The standard formulas are primarily high-protein, while specific products like SUSTAGEN Hospital Formula Plus Fibre and SUSTAGEN Optimum are designed to explicitly support digestive health.

A comparison of Sustagen formulations


Feature	Standard Sustagen Formulas	Sustagen Hospital Formula Plus Fibre / Optimum
Primary Goal	High protein for energy and muscle support	Nutritionally complete with digestive support
Fibre Content	Minimal or none	High in fibre to support digestive function
Target Audience	General nutritional support, busy lifestyles	Those needing extra digestive support, such as the elderly or during recovery
Gut Health Benefits	Primarily protein and vitamin/mineral intake	Contains fibre and probiotics for a healthy gut

How to prevent constipation while using Sustagen

If you are experiencing constipation and believe Sustagen is a contributing factor, several strategies can help you stay regular. These focus on addressing the underlying causes rather than blaming the product itself.

Choose a fibre-enriched formula: If you are prone to constipation, opt for a Sustagen product that includes fibre, like the Hospital Formula Plus Fibre. This is the most direct solution.
Increase dietary fibre: Don't rely solely on the supplement for your nutritional needs. Integrate plenty of high-fibre foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Hydrate adequately: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, especially when increasing your protein intake. Consider drinking a full glass of water with each shake.
Stay active: Regular physical activity, even light exercise like walking, helps stimulate bowel movements and can significantly alleviate constipation.
Address lactose intolerance: Some Sustagen products contain milk solids and lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, the lactose could be causing digestive distress, including constipation or diarrhoea. In this case, you might need to seek alternative, lactose-free supplements.
Use whole-food additions: To boost the fibre content of your shake, blend it with a high-fibre source like chia seeds, flaxseed, or berries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sustagen does not inherently constipate you. Instead, it is the combination of high protein intake, often paired with insufficient dietary fibre and low fluid consumption, that is the most common cause of digestive issues when taking supplements. By choosing a fibre-enriched formula, boosting your water intake, and supplementing your diet with natural, high-fibre foods, you can effectively counteract these potential side effects and maintain regular bowel movements. Always consider consulting a healthcare professional or dietitian, especially if symptoms persist, to ensure the supplement is right for your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, aside from constipation, Sustagen, like other nutritional supplements, can cause other digestive issues. Factors such as lactose intolerance or a sudden increase in protein can lead to gas, bloating, and sometimes even diarrhoea.

It is recommended to increase your water intake significantly when using high-protein supplements like Sustagen. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. It can also be helpful to drink a full glass of water with each shake.

You should not take a laxative for more than a week without consulting a healthcare provider. While stool softeners or laxatives may provide short-term relief, they do not address the root cause of the constipation, which is often a lack of fibre, fluid, or physical activity.

Sustagen Hospital Formula Plus Fibre and Sustagen Optimum are specifically formulated with added fibre and sometimes probiotics to support digestive health and bowel regularity, making them the best options for those concerned about constipation.

Yes, you can easily boost the fibre content of your Sustagen shake by blending it with high-fibre ingredients. Adding a spoonful of chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or berries can help promote regularity.

If you are consistently experiencing constipation despite choosing a fibre-rich formula and drinking plenty of water, you should consult a healthcare professional. Persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition.

Yes, your overall dietary habits play a huge role. If you are replacing fibre-rich whole foods with Sustagen, you may not be getting the necessary roughage for a healthy bowel. A balanced diet of whole foods, in addition to the supplement, is ideal for digestive health.