Frequently Asked Questions
What is Viscofiber®?
Viscofiber® is an all natural, highly concentrated, soluble dietary fiber made from oat grain. It is off white in color, neutral tasting, and derived from the highest quality source of oats available today .
Is Viscofiber® a dietary fiber?
Yes. Viscofiber® is a highly concentrated soluble dietary fiber derived from oats through a gentle, unique and patented fractionation process. Viscofiber® oat contains up to 50% soluble fiber. The remainder consists of insoluble fiber, starch and protein.
What is soluble dietary fiber?
Soluble dietary fiber dissolves in water and forms a soft gel in the stomach and intestinal tract. Like insoluble fiber, it cannot be broken down or absorbed by the body. Unlike insoluble fiber which passes through the intestinal tract as bulk, soluble fiber interacts with other body processes to produce a variety of health benefits. Most sources of dietary fiber contain both soluble and insoluble fiber.
What will Viscofiber® do for my health?
Viscofiber® offers multiple health benefits:
- Viscofiber® helps maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.*
- Viscofiber® helps provide a sensation of fullness to aid in weight loss maintenance.*
- Viscofiber® affects the rate at which the body absorbs simple carbohydrates, helping to control the release of dietary sugars into the blood.*
- Viscofiber® aids in regularity and digestive health.*
Please click here to view additional information about health benefits.
How does Viscofiber® work?
Viscofiber® works by combining with water to form a soft gel in the intestinal tract. This soft gel within the intestinal tract has been scientifically shown to trap bile acid and carry it out of the body as waste. The liver then removes dietary cholesterol from the blood stream to produce and replace the lost bile. This improvement of cholesterol levels is one of the major health benefits of Viscofiber®.
Management of dietary carbohydrates: By combining with water and developing a soft gel in the intestinal tract, Viscofiber® slows down starch digestion and simple carbohydrate absorption providing a feeling of fullness and sustained energy.*
What is the ideal daily intake of Viscofiber® ?
Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include three grams of soluble fiber per day from oats or barley may reduce the risk of heart disease. This amount of soluble fiber is obtained from as little as 6 grams (less than a tablespoon) of Viscofiber®. Viscofiber® is available in various dietary supplements sold in capsule form and in shakes. Review the directions for suggested use on the product label for recommended daily intake.
Isn’t there enough fiber in fruits, vegetables and grain products like bread?
For an adult to achieve the minimum 25 grams of the ADA’s daily recommended (25-35g/day) intake of fiber, you would need to eat:
- 7 apples (with 3.7 grams of fiber per apple), or
- 8 oranges (3.1 grams of fiber per orange), or
- 13 slices of whole grain bread (1.9 grams of fiber per slice), or
- 6 cups of oatmeal (4 grams of fiber per cup), or
- 7 cups of brown rice (3.5 grams of fiber per cup)
It takes approximately 4 grams of Viscofiber®, or less than a tablespoon, to receive the same amount of soluble fiber provided by 6 cups of oatmeal.
Refer to Position of the American Dietetic Association: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber, Marlett JA, McBurney MI, Slavin JL, Journal of the American Dietetic Association July 2002 (Vol. 102, Issue 7, Pages 993-1000) available at http://www.adajournal.org/article/PIIS0002822302902282/fulltext)
When should I take Viscofiber®?
Viscofiber® can be taken at any time, but if appetite reduction is the desired outcome, thirty minutes before meals is the recommendation.
How long does it take for Viscofiber® to take effect?
Taken as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and subject to variation in individual results, the health benefits by Viscofiber® should become evident within a three-week period.
Do I have to take Viscofiber® continuously to see effects?
Regular consumption is important to realize the aforementioned health benefits. Viscofiber® should be considered an important part of a healthy diet.
Does Viscofiber® interact with medications?
Dietary fiber in general may possibly interfere with the absorption of some medications. Consult your medical professional before taking Viscofiber® with your prescription medication.
Are there any side effects of Viscofiber®?
Occasionally, but mostly minor effects have been noted. Eating a large amount of any type of fiber in a short period of time can sometimes cause intestinal gas (flatulence), bloating, and abdominal cramps. This subsides once the natural bacteria in the digestive system become comfortable with the increased fiber in the diet. Should gas or diarrhea be a problem for you, cut the amount of fiber in your diet by one-half, then add more fiber gradually to the diet.
Too much fiber may theoretically interfere with the absorption of trace minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium. This effect is minimal because high-fiber foods are usually rich in minerals. You can reduce this risk by not taking Viscofiber® one hour before or two hours after taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
Can I take Viscofiber® while I’m pregnant or lactating?
Always consult your medical professional before using Viscofiber®if you are pregnant or lactating.
Is Viscofiber® okay for people with dietary restrictions?
Although fiber is a natural part of all fruits and vegetables, certain individual dietary restrictions may be incompatible with a fibrous diet. If you are on a restricted diet consult your medical professional before using Viscofiber®.
Is Viscofiber®available in vegetarian forms?
Viscofiber® is a natural vegetarian product but some capsules used to contain dietary supplements are not vegetarian based. Look for dietary supplements using “vegi-caps”.
Is Viscofiber® Kosher?
Yes, the Viscofiber® manufacturing process is certified Kosher.
Is Viscofiber®gluten free?
Yes and no. According to international standards, a product is gluten free if it contains less than 200 ppm of gluten. Viscofiber® contains less than 50 ppm of gluten. Always consult with your medical professional if you are sensitive to products containing gluten.
Can I get Viscofiber® in other forms?
Currently Viscofiber® is available only as part of dietary supplements available in capsules and powder form. In the future, look for Viscofiber® as an important ingredient in nutritional bars and chews, breakfast cereals, sports drinks, juices, yogurt and many other products.
Please visit the Purchase section of our website to examine our list of retail partners using Viscofiber® in their products.
Who makes Viscofiber®?
Viscofiber® is made by Natraceutical Canada Inc. based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Natraceutical Canada is part of Natraceutical Group with headquarters in Valencia, Spain. The Viscofiber® science is based on groundbreaking technology developed through years of research by Drs. Thava Vasanthan and Feral Temelli from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta, Canada. The company’s core mission is to improve human health and well being globally through proven and effective nutritional products.
Visit Natraceutical Group at www.natraceuticalgroup.com.
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