Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 3 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Fiber Essentials Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Indiana Botanic Gardens

Fiber Essentials label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Fiber And Other Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Fiber Essentials against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Fiber Essentials is a dietary supplement by Indiana Botanic Gardens with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol.Based on those ingredients, 2,040 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dietary Fiber, Calcium, Apple Pectin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Fiber Essentials by Indiana Botanic Gardens

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Fiber Essentials by Indiana Botanic Gardens — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Fiber Essentials by Indiana Botanic Gardens

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Natural Fiber Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (4.60 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

Fiber Essentials contains 6 active ingredients. Calcium supports bone health and several body functions — it's rated effective for preventing kidney stones, treating low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), managing high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), and helping with osteoporosis.

The product also includes two sources of pectin — apple pectin and grapefruit pectin — both of which show modest evidence for cholesterol support. You'll also find psyllium husk powder, oat bran, and other carbohydrates as fiber sources to support digestive regularity.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients like sorbitol, xylitol, and fruit powders for taste and texture.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestive health and regularity support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Peptic ulcers — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Black Psyllium is rated "Effective" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Calcium is rated "Effective" for Dyspepsia.
  • Also on file: Black Psyllium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diarrhea.

Calcium in this product is well established for bone health and is rated effective for osteoporosis and likely effective for preventing fractures. It's also effective at correcting low blood calcium and managing high potassium.

The pectin ingredients are rated possibly effective for supporting cholesterol levels, though the evidence is modest. The evidence for pectin's effect on blood sugar control (prediabetes) isn't yet established in our data, as is the case for radiation exposure.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Psyllium Calcium Pectin

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though high amounts can cause problems. Most common side effects are mild — belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset.

Rarely, very high doses have been linked to kidney stones and a condition called calciphylaxis. There's also some concern that very high calcium intake (over 1500 mg daily from all sources) might increase the risk of advanced prostate cancer, though this remains debated in the research.

Pectin is generally well tolerated from food and typical supplement amounts. Most people experience only mild gas, loose stools, or cramping.

Rarely, sensitive individuals can have allergic reactions, including severe ones. In pregnancy, dietary amounts of pectin are fine, but concentrated supplements haven't been well studied — check with your doctor.

For breastfeeding, dietary amounts are likely okay, but supplement safety isn't established. For calcium, adequate intake is important in pregnancy; stay within recommended amounts unless your doctor says otherwise, and calcium needs can be met during breastfeeding with recommended amounts.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Psyllium Calcium Pectin

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Black Psyllium, Pectin, Calcium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 2,041 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this, double-check if you're on dolutegravir, elvitegravir, or ceftriaxone (Major interactions with calcium). Also verify any use of raltegravir, levothyroxine, sotalol, calcipotriene, or diltiazem (Moderate calcium interactions), as well as lovastatin, tetracycline antibiotics, or digoxin (Moderate pectin interactions).

If you take any of these, you may need to space doses carefully or avoid the product altogether.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is a straightforward fiber and calcium supplement, but the calcium creates several important drug interactions — especially with HIV medications, certain antibiotics, and heart drugs. If you take any prescription medications, check them against the interaction tool on this page before you start.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about your complete medication list and whether the timing adjustments needed for calcium are manageable for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Fiber Essentials, straight from the product label.

Brand Indiana Botanic Gardens
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 25, 2013
DSLD ID 27547
Product type Fiber And Other Nutrients
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Fiber Essentials by Indiana Botanic Gardens, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
3 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
10
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories24 {Calories}1%
Total Carbohydrates9 Gram(s)3%
Sugar0.5 Gram(s)--
Dietary Fiber4 Gram(s)16%
Calcium20 mg2%
Sugar Alcohols4 Gram(s)--
Other Carbohydrates0.5 Gram(s)--
Psyllium husk powder0 NP--
Apple Pectin0 NP--
Grapefruit Pectin0 NP--
Proprietary Natural Fiber Blend4.6 Gram(s)--
Oat Bran0 NP--

Other ingredients: Sorbitol, Xylitol, Maltodextrin, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Grape juice powder, Dextrose, Blueberry fruit powder, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Sodium Citrate, Raspberry fruit powder, Acai berry powder, Beet juice powder, Silicon Dioxide, Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract, Natural flavors, Triacetin, Modified Cornstarch, Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Precautions

Warning: If you are taking any medications or are pregnant or nursing do not use prior to consulting a physician.

For your protection, this container has an outer safety seal. (Do not accept if missing or broken.)

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place.

Seals/Symbols

IBG INDIANA BOTANIC GARDENS(R)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Chew 3 tablets daily, with a meal, as a dietary supplement, or as directed by a physician.

General Statements

Total Health Support

Best if used by date on bottle.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Fiber Essentials by Indiana Botanic Gardens label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Fiber Essentials label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Fiber Essentials by Indiana Botanic Gardens

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container10 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Sugar

0.5 Gram(s) per serving

Dietary Fiber

Interacts with
2,025 drugs
4 Gram(s) per serving

Black psyllium is a soluble-fiber supplement made from the seeds of a Plantago plant, used mostly to ease constipation and support digestive health. I...

Dietary Fiber monograph & interactions

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
20 mg per serving

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Other Carbohydrates

0.5 Gram(s) per serving

Proprietary Natural Fiber Blend

4.6 Gram(s) per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Sorbitol, Xylitol, Maltodextrin, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Grape juice powder, Dextrose, Blueberry fruit powder, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Sodium Citrate, Raspberry fruit powder, Acai berry powder, Beet juice powder, Silicon Dioxide, Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract, Natural flavors, Triacetin, Modified Cornstarch, Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Fiber Essentials by Indiana Botanic Gardens Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Fiber Essentials?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
2,040Drugs
7 Major 167 Moderate 1,866 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Dietary Fiber 2,025
Calcium 168
Apple Pectin 23

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Fiber Essentials interact with 2,040 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 8 ingredients in Fiber Essentials interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Dietary Fiber Calcium Apple Pectin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Fiber Essentials with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Dietary Fiber7 drug types · 2,025 drugs

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black psyllium might reduce the effects of carbamazepine and increase the risk for convulsions.
Theoretically, black psyllium might reduce carbamazepine absorption. A preliminary study using blond psyllium reported decreased carbamazepine bioavailability due to binding of the drug to psyllium, as well as reduction of available fluid in the gut for dissolution of the drug. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as lithium might reduce lithium absorption.
The fiber in black psyllium might reduce lithium absorption and plasma levels. Some case reports describe a reduction in plasma lithium levels with concomitant administration of blond psyllium. This was reversed when psyllium was stopped. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Animal research shows that concurrent consumption of blond psyllium with metformin slows and increases the absorption of metformin. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as olanzapine might reduce olanzapine absorption.
The fiber in black psyllium might decrease the absorption of olanzapine. A single case report describes a reduction in the effectiveness of olanzapine when it was concomitantly administered with an unspecified type of psyllium 3 grams orally twice daily. This effect was reversed when psyllium was stopped.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as digoxin might reduce digoxin absorption and decrease digoxin levels.
Psyllium might bind digoxin in the gut. However, some clinical evidence suggests that psyllium does not impact digoxin absorption.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Ethinyl Estradiol

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as ethinyl estradiol might alter levels of estradiol.
Concurrent use of blond psyllium with ethinyl estradiol results in a slight increase in the extent of ethinyl estradiol absorption and a slower rate of absorption. This is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Oral Drugs

Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Psyllium seems to have variable effects on drug absorption. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after oral medications. Animal research shows that blond psyllium delays and increases the absorption of metformin and ethinyl estradiol. Case reports and animal research suggest that blond psyllium might reduce absorption of lithium, digoxin, olanzapine, and carbamazepine. Finally, some pharmacokinetic studies show that psyllium does not affect the absorption of levothyroxine or warfarin. Although many of these studies evaluated blond psyllium, the fiber content in black psyllium may have similar effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Dietary Fiber full monograph & interactions

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Calcium full monograph & interactions

Apple Pectin3 drug types · 23 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of digoxin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
A small clinical study shows that taking digoxin with a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of digoxin by about 62%. It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Lovastatin (Mevacor)

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of lovastatin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of pectin and lovastatin might reduce the cholesterol-lowering effect of lovastatin, possibly due to reduced intestinal absorption of lovastatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, potentially decreasing their effectiveness.
A small clinical study shows that taking tetracycline with bismuth subsalicylate in a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of tetracycline by about 34%. It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, bismuth subsalicylate, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Apple Pectin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Fiber Essentials, from the product label.

Indiana Botanic Gardens

See all Indiana Botanic Gardens products
Name
Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.
Street Address
3401 W. 37th Ave.
City
Hobart
State
IN
ZipCode
46342
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Fiber Essentials by Indiana Botanic Gardens: Common Questions

Does Fiber Essentials by Indiana Botanic Gardens interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Fiber Essentials has a known interaction with 2,040 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Fiber Essentials contains 8 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What's the calcium in this for?
Calcium supports bone health and is effective for osteoporosis and preventing fractures. It also helps your body regulate potassium and correct low blood calcium if needed. The recommended daily intake for adults is 1000–1300 mg from all sources combined.
Will this help my cholesterol?
The pectin in this product is possibly effective for cholesterol support, but the evidence is modest. It's not a replacement for prescription cholesterol medications.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people experience mild digestive effects: belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset. Rarely, sensitive individuals have allergic reactions to pectin. Kidney stones and calciphylaxis are rare but possible with very high calcium doses over time.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Calcium is important in pregnancy — adequate intake is fine as long as you stay within recommended amounts and your doctor agrees. The pectin from food is safe, but concentrated pectin supplements in pregnancy haven't been well studied, so check with your doctor first.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
Calcium needs can be met while breastfeeding with recommended amounts. Dietary pectin is likely fine, but concentrated pectin supplement safety while breastfeeding hasn't been well studied — check with your provider.
Do I need to space this out from my other medications?
Possibly, yes. Calcium binds to and reduces absorption of several drugs — levothyroxine needs 4 hours apart, sotalol needs 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after, and HIV medications need even wider spacing. Use the medication checker to see if your prescriptions are affected.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Fiber Essentials is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Fiber Essentials label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Fiber Essentials’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Black Psyllium

Interacts with 2,025 drugs

Black psyllium is a soluble-fiber supplement made from the seeds of a Plantago plant, used mostly to ease constipation and support digestive health. It is best known and most studied for rel...

Read the full Black Psyllium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pectin

Interacts with 23 drugs

Pectin is a natural soluble fiber found in fruits like apples and citrus, and it is widely used in foods and as a fiber supplement. It may modestly help with cholesterol, blood sugar, and di...

Read the full Pectin monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Fiber Essentials's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 91 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Black Psyllium 18 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  4. Etman M. Effect of a bulk forming laxative on the bioavailablility of carbamazepine in man. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 1995;21:1901-6.
  5. Perlman BB. Interaction between lithium salts and ispaghula husk. Lancet 1990;335:416.
  6. Vaswani SK, Hamilton RG, Valentine MD, Adkinson NF. Psyllium laxative-induced anaphylaxis, asthma, and rhinitis. Allergy 1996;51:266-8. PubMed
  7. Lantner RR, Espiritu BR, Zumerchik P, Tobin MC. Anaphylaxis following ingestion of a psyllium-containing cereal. JAMA 1990;264:2534-6. DOI
  8. Kaplan MJ. Anaphylactic reaction to "Heartwise." N Engl J Med 1990;323:1072-3. DOI
  9. Nordstrom M, Melander A, Robertsson E, Steen B. Influence of wheat bran and of a bulk-forming ispaghula cathartic on the bioavailability of digoxin in geriatric in-patients. Drug Nutr Interact 1987;5:67-9..
  10. Robinson DS, Benjamin DM, McCormack JJ. Interaction of warfarin and nonsystemic gastrointestinal drugs. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1971;12:491-5. PubMed
  11. Garcia JJ, Fernandez N, Diez MJ, et al. Influence of two dietary fibers in the oral bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of ethinyloestradiol. Contraception 2000;62:253-7. PubMed
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See these in context on the Black Psyllium monograph →

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See these in context on the Calcium monograph →

Pectin 11 references
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See these in context on the Pectin monograph →

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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