From the Guidelines
Fibersol may help reduce cholesterol levels, but its impact on lowering HbA1c is limited and not significantly supported by current evidence. As a soluble corn fiber, Fibersol functions as a dietary fiber that can bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract, potentially reducing its absorption and lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest modest cholesterol reductions of 5-10% with regular consumption of 5-10 grams daily 1. Regarding HbA1c, while Fibersol may help with blood sugar management by slowing glucose absorption, its direct impact on long-term blood sugar control as measured by HbA1c appears minimal, with most studies on fiber in people with diabetes showing little evidence of significant improvement in glycemic control 1.
For those interested in using Fibersol, it's typically consumed by mixing 5-10 grams into beverages or foods daily. The powder dissolves easily and has minimal taste impact. For meaningful health benefits, consistent daily use over several months would be necessary, and Fibersol should be considered a supplement to, not a replacement for, standard medical treatments for high cholesterol or diabetes. The fiber works through its ability to resist digestion in the small intestine while being partially fermented in the large intestine, promoting beneficial gut bacteria growth and improving overall metabolic health.
Key points to consider:
- Fibersol's cholesterol-lowering effects are modest and may require consistent daily consumption of 5-10 grams.
- The evidence for Fibersol's impact on HbA1c is limited and not conclusive, with most studies suggesting minimal effects on long-term blood sugar control.
- Fibersol should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to managing cholesterol and diabetes, including standard medical treatments and lifestyle modifications.
- Recent studies, such as the 2025 review on higher fiber and higher carbohydrate diets for diabetes management, suggest that higher fiber intake may have benefits for diabetes management, but the specific effects of Fibersol on HbA1c are not well established 1.
From the Research
Effects of Fibersol on Cholesterol and HbA1c Levels
- Fibersol, a type of soluble fiber, has been shown to have potential health benefits, including reducing cholesterol and improving glycemic control.
- Studies have demonstrated that soluble fiber can lower cholesterol levels by clinically significant amounts 2, 3.
- Specifically, the consumption of an adequate amount of water-soluble fiber each day may reduce cholesterol levels by 10 to 20 percent 3.
- In addition to its cholesterol-lowering effects, Fibersol may also improve glycemic control, as evidenced by a study that found psyllium fiber, a type of soluble fiber, improved fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus 4.
- Another study found that soluble fiber supplementation from psyllium improved glycemic control indicators, including HbA1c, and body weight in type 2 diabetic patients 5.
- A study that investigated the effects of Fibersol-2, a type of soluble fiber, in combination with inulin, found that it had hypolipidemic effects on high cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemia in hamsters 6.
- Overall, the evidence suggests that Fibersol may be effective in reducing cholesterol and improving glycemic control, including HbA1c levels, although more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.