Benefiber

[Clhaddon]

My doctor recommended Benefiber for IBS with constipation.  I started taking it about four days ago.  The box says gluten free on it. 
I am having multiple loose bms daily.   Tonight I went to the Benefiber website and was shocked to find wheat dextrin listed as an ingredient.  They say it does not exceed the FDA’s 20ppm limit but anyone with gluten intolerance should not use it.  I was diagnosed with celiac disease over 20 years ago and have not had this much of a problem since as I stay away from gluten completely.  I am shocked that they can claim a gluten free product that has wheat of any amount in it. How can this be legal?

[cyclinglady]

Wheat dextrin is highly processed and comes from the starch and not the protein of the wheat kernel.  It is gluten free, but I can imagine that it would freak you out seeing it on a label.  I felt the same when I saw this in Europe where wheat dextrin is used in gluten-free products.  In the US, we usually use corn as the base.  (Benefiber is made in France based on my Target website search and reading the label).  

So, this product is technically safe.  You may be a very sensitive celiac though.

https://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/is-it-gluten-free/dextrin/

But this is a lot of fiber!  Any change to your diet can cause GI upset.  Stop the product for a day or so and add it slowly in building to a full dose over a week or so. 

Worry more about why you are constipated.  Is your celiac disease in remission?  Get follow-up testing.   Do you have another health issue like Crohn’s or thyroiditis?   Are you drinking water?  Are you eating your veggies?  Many doctors think bread equals fiber.  Not true.  You can get plenty of fiber from veggies, but you have to buy and eat them.