Some of the most recurring questions we get here at MediKane are “Aren’t fibre supplements bad for you?” and “How is NutriKane D different to a fibre supplement?” That is why we sat down with Dr Malcom Ball, chief technical officer at MediKane to discuss this issue, and present some closure to this topic.
In order to understand this debate, we must start with the microbiome. The gut microbiome (or more accurately microbiota) contains trillions of different microbes and includes thousands of species, which interact directly with our gut and can affect different processes of the body, and ultimately plays a large role in the general wellbeing of an individual. Although research on the microbiome remains inconclusive, it is known that those who have a large diversity of microbes are generally healthier than those with less. This was also found in population studies, where healthier populations had a strong diversity of microbes in their microbiome.
“The problem with fibre supplements is that they only feed one type of microbe, which is bad… unless you have a fibre deficiency” noted Dr Ball. This lowers the diversity of microbes in the microbiome, which has a direct effect on gut health, and general body metabolism. This in turn can increase the risk of the individual contracting IBS, bowel cancer as well as resulting in nutritional deficiencies and malabsorption.
Most types of fibre supplement are also very low in micronutrients which are essential to both us and our microbiomes. The microbiome uses the various types of fibres for energy, but like us needs antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for good health. Feeding your microbiome, a simple supplement is like feeding yourself white bread – it has energy but not much else.
This is where NutriKane D is different. NutriKane D contains many different types of fibre, and is loaded with essential micronutrients. The fibres carry the micronutrients to a variety of microbes in the microbiome. NutriKane D allows for a gradual release of micronutrients along the full digestive tract to ensure your entire microbiome is well fed.
