Benefiber vs. Unicity Balance Fiber Matrix: Which is Better?

We have all heard about the importance of fiber in our diet. If you are like most North Americans, you’re not getting nearly as much daily fiber as you should. Fiber plays an important role in our digestion. Fiber is probably best known for helping to relieve constipation.

In this article, we will take a look at another common over the counter (OTC) fiber supplement called Benefiber, as it compares to Unicity Balance fiber matrix. In another comparison article you can read about Metamucil, as it compares to Unicity Balance fiber matrix.

• Metamucil Fiber vs. Unicity Balance Fiber Matrix: Which is Better?

Benefiber

The main fiber ingredient in Benefiber is wheat dextrin, offering 3 grams of fiber per serving and the Shape version offers 5 grams. The fiber in Benefiber comes from wheat starch, while its next closest OTC competitor Metamucil contains the seeds of psyllium plant. Other than it is offering 3 grams of wheat starch it has no nutritional value. 

Both wheat dextrin and psyllium is known to absorb water as they move through the digestive tract, creating softer and larger stools, which trigger your intestine muscles to push it down the intestines as a bulk-forming laxative.

What is wheat dextrin?

Wheat dextrin is a byproduct of the milling process of wheat, a form of wheat starch. It’s tasteless and can dissolve in both hot and cold liquids.

Benefiber does offer a “gluten-free” version, only because it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, the manufacturer also states that people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should not use Benefiber unless directed by a doctor.

Benefiber is available in multiple products offerings, including Original, Shape, Digestive Health, Prebiotic Fiber, Gummies and Chewable. It is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare and is listed as an OTC Laxative, but it is not listed in the Prescribers Desk Reference (PDR).

Weight Loss Claims

The manufacturer of Benefiber claim that you can incorporate it into your weight loss program for rapid weight loss. However, their claims come from a 2011 study that concluded that wheat dextrin supplements could enhance meal satiety in some overweight adults for a limited period. According to the study, an increase in satiety leads to a decrease in hunger levels. While the study did not include Benefiber, it used ingredients similar to its contents. As the website Diet Spotlight noted, “One of the concerns that we had was the complete lack of clinical trials that connected Benefiber in any way to weight loss”.

Other Health Claims

The manufacturer also 'promotes' it to help lower cholesterol, reduce risk of heart disease, reduce body fat, boost immune function, improve mineral absorption, lower blood sugar and improve gut health.

The manufacturers of these OTC fiber supplement, Benefiber and Metamucil, both state that they are “heart-healthy products”. This is based on the benefits a high-fiber diet can have on a person’s heart health. These claims have not been clinically proven using their products themselves. Benefiber, as with Metamucil, are not listed in the Prescribers Desk Reference (PDR) being back by science. This is an important distinction.

History of Product Recalls

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare has also had a history of product recalls on Benefiber. The latest was on April 28, 2020, with the FDA statement announcing a voluntary recall for “Potential for plastic pieces or shavings” in the product.

The common ingredients include Wheat dextrin, Cornstarch, Microcrystalline cellulose, Dextrates, Sorbitol, Sucralose and Maltodextrin.

Unicity Balance Fiber Matrix

Unicity Balance is a patented blend of blend of soluble and insoluble fibers, phytosterols with vitamins and minerals. Unicity Balance reduces your appetite, absorbs and removes fat, promotes fat-burning ability, and decreases leptin resistance.

This matrix of fiber in Unicity Balance is specifically designed to absorb much more blood sugar and supports healthy cholesterol more effectively than OTC fiber products like Metamucil or Benefiber, which is are just a single source of fiber that act more like a laxative.

Unicity Balance was first developed by scientists at the University of Santa Barbara in 1986 while conducting research using natural fibers to manage serum cholesterol. Now more than 35 years later, Unicity Balance continues to be the most recommended natural health supplement by doctors and healthcare professionals worldwide.

Unicity Balance is made by Unicity International, a world leader in metabolic health. Unicity is most known as the founders of the The Feel Great System, which consists of using Unicity Balance fiber matrix along with another unique yerba mate drink called Unimate.

Unicity Balance is only available in the form of a single serve drink mix packet. It is not available in tablet form. This is important, because the Balance fiber matrix forms a gel matrix when it dissolves in water together with the calcium salt in it. A tablet format would be too condensed and would not form the necessary gel matrix that makes Balance so effective.

Each single serving packet contains 6g of fiber (3g of Dietary Fiber and 3g of Soluble Fiber), 0g of Sugar and as shown in the chart below, it's formulated with natural ingredients that each contributes to a specific mode of action that improves overall metabolic health. 

Biosphere Fiber - is a unique blend that includes five different sources of fiber. The fibers help support cholesterol levels and slow the conversion of high-glycemic carbohydrates into blood glucose. These fibers are sourced from Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Citrus Pectin, Oat Fiber and Beta-Glucans.

Unicity 7x - is a specialized blend of plant-derived polysaccharides - also known as viscous fibers. Viscous, soluble fibers form a thick gel when mixed with water and as they move through the digestive tract. The gel-like substance helps slow the emptying of your stomach, which results in prolonged satiety. The plant-derived polysaccharides are a proprietary blend that is under a global patent.  

Bios Cardio Matrix - is a blend of plant extracts and phytosterols that supports the body’s cholesterol absorption process. The blend can help limit the absorption of cholesterol from the digestive process. This Cardio Matrix is derived from Phytosterols, Chrysanthemum (Flower) Extract, Policosanol (Sugar Cane Extract).

Bios Vitamin Complex™ - is a unique blend that supports healthy metabolism. The blend is designed to aid in proper digestion and optimize the conversion of food to fuel. This includes Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Chromium, Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene), Vitamin E (D-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), Niacin (Niacinamide), Zinc (Zinc Gluconate), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL), Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin), Folic Acid, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin HCL), Biotin, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin). 

Orange juice powder - this provides the distinct light orange flavor for Unicity Balance, and is naturally sweetened with the natural plant stevia. 

Nutrition Label (Unicity Balance, also branded Bios Life in some worldwide markets)

Science-Based Results - Unicity Balance has been extensively studied, peer-reviewed, and published in the medical journals. It has also been listed in the prestigious Prescribers Desk Reference (PDR) since 2002, a mark of distinction for a science-based natural fiber supplement.  

• Unicity Balance Fiber Matrix: Listed in the Prescribers' Desk Reference (PDR)
• The Cleveland Clinic Study: Unicity Balance for Cholesterol 

During the last three decades Balance has been through extensive clinical studies worldwide (including placebo and double blind) proving its benefits, as listed below. Clinical results that a “Psyllium Fiber” does not offer.

1. Reduces and balances blood sugar levels safely & naturally.
2. Improves your cholesterol levels (both HDL & LDL) and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
3. Lowers triglycerides and reduces the risk of heart disease & stroke.
4. Reduces insulin resistance.
5. Decreases leptin resistance.
6. Reduces the glycemic index of foods you eat.
7. Absorbs, removes, & helps your body burn excess fat.
8. Reduces your appetite – reduces cravings & over-eating.
9. Promotes a healthy digestive function & regulates bowel function.
10. Contains a 100% of your recommended daily intake for many essential vitamins and minerals.
11. Helps increase your energy levels & reduces effects of stress.
12. Contributes to the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage.

As you can see there is no comparison to these two fiber-based supplements.

For more information on Unicity Balance, visit:

• Unicity Balance: Healthy Glucose Support, Cholesterol & Weight Loss 
• FAQ: Unicity Balance Fiber Frequently Asked Questions

Order Unicity Balance at the lowest discounted Wholesale Pricing and Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Unicity Balance.

Fiber Matrix Drink
1 Box | 60 Packets