Walk down any pharmacy aisle and you'll find fibre powders that look similar but are built on very different fibres. The three you'll see most often are psyllium, wheat dextrin, and inulin. They don't all do the same job — so here's a plain-language guide to choosing the right one.
Psyllium — the one best studied for regularity
Psyllium husk is a soluble, gel-forming fibre from Plantago ovata seeds. It absorbs water and forms a soft gel that adds bulk and helps stool pass comfortably, which is why it's the fibre most associated with supporting regularity. It's also gentle: a bulk-forming fibre rather than a stimulant. Psyllium is the fibre at the heart of Mr. Regular.
Wheat dextrin — easy to mix, lighter on regularity
Wheat dextrin is a soluble fibre valued mainly because it dissolves clear and grit-free. It mixes easily into drinks, but it doesn't form the same water-holding gel as psyllium, so it's generally considered less effective for bulking and regularity. It's also derived from wheat, which matters if you avoid gluten.
Inulin — the prebiotic that feeds your gut
Inulin is a prebiotic fibre (often from chicory root) that isn't digested by you — it's fermented by your gut bacteria, helping nourish a healthy microbiome. It's excellent for gut health but isn't primarily a regularity fibre, and larger amounts can cause gas in sensitive people. This is why Mr. Regular +Prebiotic combines inulin with psyllium rather than relying on it alone — in fact, research shows psyllium can reduce the gas inulin produces.
Quick comparison
| Psyllium | Wheat dextrin | Inulin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Soluble, gel-forming | Soluble, non-gelling | Prebiotic (fermentable) |
| Best for | Regularity & bulking | Easy mixing | Feeding gut bacteria |
| Gluten-free | Yes | From wheat | Yes |
| Gas potential | Low | Low | Higher in large amounts |
So which should you choose?
If your priority is daily regularity, psyllium has the strongest track record. If your priority is gut health, a prebiotic like inulin helps — and the most complete approach is to combine them. That's exactly why Mr. Regular pairs organic psyllium with prebiotic fibre, in a smooth vanilla powder with no grit and no added sugar. Browse all fibre supplements or read The Science.
Frequently asked questions
Which fibre is best for constipation support?
Psyllium is the soluble fibre most associated with supporting regularity, because it forms a gel that adds bulk and softens stool.
Is inulin better than psyllium?
They do different jobs. Inulin feeds beneficial gut bacteria; psyllium supports regularity. Many people benefit from both.
Is wheat dextrin gluten-free?
Wheat dextrin is derived from wheat. If you avoid gluten, an organic psyllium-based option is a naturally gluten-free choice.
Shop Mr. Regular fibre supplements →
References
- American Gastroenterological Association – American College of Gastroenterology clinical practice guideline: pharmacological management of chronic idiopathic constipation. Gastroenterology. 2023. Read the guideline.
- Gunn D, Abbas Z, Harris HC, et al. Psyllium reduces inulin-induced colonic gas production in IBS: MRI and in vitro fermentation studies. 2022. Read the study.
This article is general education, not medical advice. Mr. Regular is a food product, not a treatment for any disease.