Last verified: today
Acacia Fiber
Also known as: acacia gum, gum arabic, Acacia senegal fiber, AF
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Soluble fiber from acacia trees. Helps relieve constipation and IBS symptoms in adults and children.
-
What it does
Acacia fiber is a soluble dietary fiber derived from the sap of acacia trees. In clinical trials, it improved stool frequency in adults with constipation-predominant IBS and performed comparably...
-
Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
-
Clinical dose
10-17g daily based on study doses
What the Science Says
Acacia fiber is a soluble dietary fiber derived from the sap of acacia trees. In clinical trials, it improved stool frequency in adults with constipation-predominant IBS and performed comparably to a standard laxative (PEG) in children with chronic constipation. It also shows prebiotic properties, meaning it feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which may support overall gut health.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't eliminate IBS symptoms entirely on its own. No evidence it improves stool consistency or quality of life beyond placebo in IBS. Not proven to work faster or better than standard laxatives in children. No human evidence for immune or metabolic benefits — that data comes from rats only.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Increases stool frequency in adults with constipation-predominant IBS.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 10g daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Reduces overall IBS symptom burden when combined with probiotics.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 10g daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Relieves chronic constipation in children as effectively as standard laxatives.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 16.8g daily (as part of fiber blend)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria to support digestive health.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Poor — as a dietary fiber, it is not absorbed into the bloodstream. It works locally in the gut by fermenting into short-chain fatty acids and feeding beneficial bacteria.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Children tolerated it less well than standard PEG laxatives in one trial — compliance was 72% vs 96%
- Most studies combine acacia fiber with probiotics or other fibers, making it hard to isolate acacia's individual effect
- Animal-only data for immune and mineral absorption benefits — do not assume these apply to humans
- IBS symptom severity improvements were a trend, not statistically significant, in the largest adult RCT
Products Containing Acacia Fiber
See how Acacia Fiber is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Acacia Fiber do?
Soluble fiber from acacia trees. Helps relieve constipation and IBS symptoms in adults and children.
What is the effective dose of Acacia Fiber?
10-17g daily based on study doses
Is Acacia Fiber safe?
Children tolerated it less well than standard PEG laxatives in one trial — compliance was 72% vs 96%
What doesn't Acacia Fiber do?
Won't eliminate IBS symptoms entirely on its own.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-09-05