Wheat Dextrin: What is another name for Benefiber?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

With only about 5% of adults consuming the recommended daily level of dietary fiber, supplements often become a necessity. For many, the question arises: what is another name for Benefiber? The direct answer is that its primary active ingredient is wheat dextrin.

Quick Summary

Benefiber's active component is wheat dextrin, a soluble dietary fiber for digestive health and regularity. Generic versions are available with the same ingredient.

Key Points

Wheat Dextrin: The primary active ingredient in Benefiber is wheat dextrin, a soluble fiber that serves as a prebiotic to nourish gut bacteria.
Generic Equivalent: Generic store brands often contain the same active ingredient, wheat dextrin, offering a more affordable alternative to the brand-name product.
Soluble Fiber Function: As a soluble fiber, wheat dextrin absorbs water in the intestines to soften and bulk stool, promoting digestive regularity.
Alternative Fibers: Not all fiber supplements are the same; alternatives like Metamucil contain psyllium husk, a different fiber type with a gel-forming mechanism.
Less Gas: Wheat dextrin is often associated with less gas and bloating compared to some other bulk-forming fibers like psyllium, though individual reactions vary.
Prebiotic Benefits: Beyond regularity, Benefiber's wheat dextrin acts as a prebiotic to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to overall gut health.

The Core Ingredient: What is Another Name for Benefiber?

While 'Benefiber' is a well-known brand name, the chemical compound responsible for its effects is wheat dextrin. This is the generic, scientific name for the soluble dietary fiber found in the supplement. When you see store-brand or generic fiber supplements that list wheat dextrin as the main ingredient, you are looking at another name for the active component in Benefiber.

How Wheat Dextrin Functions in the Body

Wheat dextrin is a non-viscous soluble fiber. Unlike some other fibers that form a thick gel, it dissolves completely and remains a liquid as it moves through the digestive tract.

It absorbs water in the intestines, which helps to promote healthy and regular bowel movements.
As a prebiotic, it nourishes the 'good' bacteria in your gut, supporting a healthy digestive environment.
The soluble fiber is fermented by gut bacteria, which can be beneficial for overall gut health.

Generics and Alternatives to Benefiber

If you are looking for a less expensive option or an alternative fiber type, understanding the active ingredients is key. Generic versions often provide the same efficacy at a lower cost. Brands like GoodSense offer products with 100% wheat dextrin, providing the same benefits as Benefiber without the brand-name price tag.

However, it's also important to know that not all fiber supplements are created equal. Different types of fiber work in different ways and may produce varying effects on the body. Other popular alternatives include Metamucil, which contains psyllium husk, and Citrucel, which uses methylcellulose.

Comparison of Common Fiber Supplements

To help you decide which fiber supplement is right for you, here is a comparison of Benefiber (wheat dextrin) and some popular alternatives based on key characteristics.


Feature	Benefiber (Wheat Dextrin)	Metamucil (Psyllium Husk)	Citrucel (Methylcellulose)
Active Ingredient	Wheat dextrin	Psyllium husk	Methylcellulose
Fiber Type	Non-viscous soluble fiber	Viscous, gel-forming soluble fiber	Non-viscous soluble fiber
Primary Function	Prebiotic effect, digestive health	Bulk-forming laxative, cholesterol reduction	Bulk-forming laxative
Digestive Process	Fermented by gut bacteria	Poorly fermented, forms a gel	Poorly fermented, non-gassy
Dissolvability	Completely dissolves without thickening	Forms a thick, gel-like consistency	Dissolves without thickening
Gas/Bloating	Often causes less gas than other types	Can cause more gas and bloating	Designed to cause less gas
Common Benefits	Supports gut bacteria, regularity	Treats constipation, lowers cholesterol	Aids regularity, for sensitive systems

Important Considerations When Choosing Fiber

Your choice of a fiber supplement should be based on your specific health needs. Consider the following factors:

Prebiotic vs. Bulking Agent: Are you seeking to nourish your gut flora (prebiotic) or primarily treat constipation by adding bulk to your stool? Wheat dextrin offers a prebiotic benefit, while psyllium is a stronger bulking agent.
Gas and Bloating: If you are sensitive to gas and bloating, a product like Citrucel (methylcellulose) or even wheat dextrin might be a better choice, as psyllium can sometimes cause more gas.
Other Health Benefits: Some fibers, notably psyllium, have been clinically shown to help lower LDL cholesterol and control blood sugar. If these are your goals, a psyllium-based supplement might be more effective.
Dietary Restrictions: While Benefiber is labeled gluten-free, it is derived from wheat. Individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities should always consult a healthcare professional to ensure the product is safe for them.

Conclusion

For those wondering, "what is another name for Benefiber?", the key term is wheat dextrin. This soluble fiber is the active ingredient in Benefiber and is also found in many generic and store-brand equivalents. Understanding the distinction between brand names and active ingredients empowers you to make informed decisions about your digestive health. While Benefiber (wheat dextrin) is an excellent prebiotic fiber for maintaining regularity, other options like Metamucil (psyllium) and Citrucel (methylcellulose) offer different benefits and mechanisms of action. Selecting the right supplement ultimately depends on your individual health needs and how your body responds to different fiber types. Always remember to stay hydrated when taking fiber supplements to maximize their effectiveness and minimize side effects.

For more detailed information on comparing fiber supplements and their health benefits, you can consult authoritative health resources, such as articles from the NIH, like the one found at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7566180/.

Frequently Asked Questions

The generic name for Benefiber's active ingredient is wheat dextrin, which is a soluble dietary fiber that helps support digestive health.

Benefiber is a brand name for a dietary supplement, but its active ingredient is wheat dextrin. Therefore, products containing pure wheat dextrin are the same in terms of the main functional component.

The main difference is the type of fiber they contain. Benefiber uses wheat dextrin, a non-viscous soluble fiber. Metamucil contains psyllium husk, a viscous, gel-forming soluble fiber that can have a stronger bulking effect and may cause more gas.

Yes, many store-brand fiber supplements list wheat dextrin as their active ingredient. These products, such as GoodSense Best Fiber Powder, are often more affordable while providing the same benefits.

Wheat dextrin is a soluble fiber. It absorbs water but does not form a thick gel like some other fibers. It is also a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the good bacteria in your gut.

Benefiber is labeled gluten-free, as the wheat processing removes the gluten. However, it is derived from wheat, so individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Wheat dextrin is typically well-tolerated and associated with less gas and bloating compared to some other fiber supplements like psyllium. However, individual reactions can vary, especially when first starting supplementation.