Wheat bran
Scientific names: Triticum aestivum, Triticum sativum
Family: Poaceae/Gramineae
Alternate names: Bran, Cereal Fiber, Dextrine de Blé, Dietary Fiber, Fibre Alimentaire, Fibre Céréalière, Gehun, Godhoom, Salvado de Trigo, Son, Son de Blé, Wheat, Wheat Dextrin
Actions: Anticancer, Gastrointestinal
Background
Wheat bran is the outer layers of the wheat grain kernel. It's separated from the inner layers during milling. It's rich in soluble and insoluble fiber.
Wheat bran has laxative effects that can increase stool volume and bowel frequency. It also contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
People use wheat bran for constipation, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also used for colon cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Wheat is considered a major food allergen in the US. Wheat contents, including wheat bran, must be labeled on packaged foods and supplement products.
Wheat bran has laxative effects that can increase stool volume and bowel frequency. It also contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
People use wheat bran for constipation, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also used for colon cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Wheat is considered a major food allergen in the US. Wheat contents, including wheat bran, must be labeled on packaged foods and supplement products.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Wheat bran is likely safe when used in doses up to 30 grams daily for up to 3 months. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include gas and stomach discomfort.
Children: Wheat bran is likely safe when taken by mouth in doses up to 10 grams daily. It has been used safely for up to 2 years.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Wheat bran is likely safe when taken by mouth during pregnancy and breast-feeding.Children: Wheat bran is likely safe when taken by mouth in doses up to 10 grams daily. It has been used safely for up to 2 years.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Constipation. Taking wheat bran by mouth seems to help restore normal bowel function in people with mild constipation.
- Hemorrhoids. Taking wheat bran by mouth might help reduce the risk of getting hemorrhoids in some people.
- A long-term disorder of the large intestine that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Taking wheat bran by mouth seems to improve bowel function in some people with IBS.
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- Colon cancer, rectal cancer. Taking wheat bran by mouth doesn't seem to reduce the risk for colon or rectal cancer.
Dosing & administration
Wheat bran is a source of dietary fiber. Recommendations for dietary fiber intake vary by age.
As medicine, wheat bran has most often been used by adults in doses of 20-30 grams by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
As medicine, wheat bran has most often been used by adults in doses of 20-30 grams by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Wheat Bran interacts with any medicines. Before taking Wheat Bran, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
Wheat bran contains high amounts of a chemical called phytate. Phytate might affect how the body absorbs some nutrients from foods, including iron, zinc, and calcium. But the phytate in wheat bran might be broken down in the stomach, so it's not clear if this is a big concern.
Products
View all products
Per capsule:
- Triticum aestivum (Huai Xiao Mai) ext. 66.3 mg
- Ziziphus jujuba ext. 22.2 mg
- Albizia julibrissin ext. 19.8 mg
- Epimedium sagittatum ext. 19.8 mg
- Curculigo orchioides ext. 19.8 mg
- Lycium barbarum ext. 19.8 mg
- Eucommia ulmoides ext. 19.8 mg
- Loranthus parasiticus ext. 19.8 mg
- Morindae officinalis ext. 13.2 mg
- Glycyrrhiza uralensis ext. 11.1 mg
- Rehmannia glutinosa ext. 33 mg
- Chrysanthemum sinense ext. 13.2 mg
- Lilium brownii ext. 22.2 mg
Practitioner product
Per capsule:
- Triticum aestivum (Huai Xiao Mai) ext. 35.1 mg
- Ziziphus jujuba ext. 29.1 mg
- Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa ext. 26.1 mg
- Biota orientalis ext. 26.1 mg
- Paeonia lactiflora ext. 26.1 mg
- Curcuma longa ext. 26.1 mg
- Schizandra chinensis ext. 17.4 mg
- Glycyrrhiza uralensis ext. 14.7 mg
- Chrysanthemum sinense ext. 26.1 mg
- Citrus reticulata ext. 14.7 mg
- Rosa rugosa ext. 14.7 mg
- Citrus reticulata ext. 14.7 mg
- Albizia julibrissin ext. 29.1 mg
Practitioner product
Practitioner product
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This monograph was last reviewed on 16/11/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 04/11/2020 00:35:14. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
