- Health advice
- May 27, 2026
Reviewed by Christina Hanley (Bachelor of Nutritional Medicine) · Mr Vitamins Health Team · Updated 2025
Sugarcane fibre is one of the most interesting fibre supplements to come out of Australia in recent years. It is made from the fibrous part of the sugarcane plant, 92-95% of the sucrose is removed during processing, leaving behind a fibre-rich powder that contains no added sugar at all.
And unlike the fibre supplements many of us grew up with, it brings more than just bulk. It contains 73-86% insoluble dietary fibre, plus naturally occurring antioxidants and trace minerals that your body can actually absorb - something that psyllium husk and wheat dextrin do not offer.[4]
At Mr Vitamins, we have looked closely at the Australian university research behind this ingredient - including studies from Monash University, Macquarie University, and the University of Queensland - to give you an honest, straightforward guide. Below we cover what sugarcane fibre is, how it works, what the science says, how it compares to psyllium husk, and whether Live More You Sugarcane Fibre is worth adding to your daily routine.
What Is Sugarcane Fibre?
Most people know sugarcane as the plant that makes sugar. But once the juice is squeezed out of the stalk, what is left behind is something completely different - a dense, fibrous material packed with both soluble and insoluble fibre. That is sugarcane fibre.
Here is the key thing: sugarcane fibre contains no sugar. The sucrose - the sweet part - is removed during processing. What you get is the structural part of the plant: the fibre, the plant cell walls, naturally occurring antioxidants, and trace minerals.[1]
Think of it like an orange. The juice is mostly sugar and water. The white pith is pure fibre. Sugarcane fibre is the pith equivalent - just from sugarcane.
Unlike isolated fibre supplements made from a single extracted compound, sugarcane fibre keeps the natural complexity of the whole plant - including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, polyphenols, and bioaccessible minerals. Research shows this "whole plant" profile produces better results in the gut than isolated fibres alone.[2]
Sugarcane fibre has two types of fibre working together:
- Soluble fibre - dissolves in water and forms a gel that slows digestion, helps balance blood sugar after meals, and supports healthy cholesterol levels.
- Insoluble fibre - does not dissolve. Instead it adds bulk to your stool, speeds things up in the bowel, and helps keep you regular.
Most Australians get only about half the recommended daily fibre intake. The recommended amount is 25g per day for women and 30g per day for men.[3]
Live More You Sugarcane Fibre at a Glance
Live More You Sugarcane Fibre 200g
Whole-plant prebiotic dietary fibre from Australian-grown sugarcane. Unflavoured powder. Low FODMAP certified. Gluten free. No additives, no fillers, no sugar.
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Quick Comparison - Cost Per Serve
Live More You Sugarcane Fibre is sold in a 200g powder format. The table below shows how it compares on cost and key features. Please note the RRP shown is approximate - check the Mr Vitamins product page for the current price.
| Product | Format | Serving Size | Serves per Pack | TGA Status | Approx. Cost per Serve | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live More You Sugarcane Fibre 200g | Powder | ~5g (1 tsp) | ~40 serves | FSANZ Food Standard | ~$1.25 per serve* | Gut health, bowel regularity, IBS support, microbiome |
*Based on RRP $49.95 for 200g at approximately 40 serves (5g per serve). Cost per serve ~$1.25. Price may vary - confirm current price at Mr Vitamins. Regulated as a food product under Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Live More You Nutraceuticals is a brand created by qualified Naturopaths, Nutritionists and Health Professionals at Mr Vitamins. Every product in the range has been chosen because it fills a real gap in what a well-supported daily routine looks like - not to fill a shelf. That means clinically relevant supplements, whole foods selected for nutritional quality, and lifestyle products made from natural botanical ingredients. All products are tested for purity and potency, made without artificial additives or fillers, and what you see on the label is exactly what is in the product.
What Is Actually in Live More You Sugarcane Fibre?
Open the tub and the ingredient list is as simple as it gets: Sugarcane Fibre (Saccharum officinarum). That is it. No binders, no fillers, no flavours, no preservatives, no hidden sugar. Just the whole-plant fibre of Australian-grown sugarcane in a fine, neutral-tasting powder.
That one ingredient is doing a lot of work though. Research from Macquarie University - funded by the Australian Research Council and published in Food Chemistry - found sugarcane stalk fibre has a unique profile that sets it apart from popular supplement fibres like psyllium husk and wheat dextrin.[4]
The three fibre components inside
Bonus: natural minerals your body can actually absorb
One of the more surprising findings from the Macquarie University research was that sugarcane fibre contains bioaccessible trace minerals - minerals that are released and absorbed during digestion. These do not appear in psyllium husk or wheat dextrin.[4]
| Mineral | Amount (per 100g) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium | 0.67-2.54 mg | Supports insulin signalling and blood sugar balance |
| Manganese | 1.07-2.34 mg | Antioxidant support; bone and metabolism health |
| Potassium | Bioaccessible | Heart health, fluid balance, muscle function |
| Magnesium | Bioaccessible | Involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body |
| Zinc | Bioaccessible | Immunity, wound healing, cell growth |
Analysis of sugarcane fibre found naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity - including compounds related to chlorogenic and caffeic acid. A gut microbiota study from the University of Queensland confirmed sugarcane fibre had significantly higher antioxidant capacity than both psyllium husk and wheat dextrin, which showed minimal antioxidant activity.[7]
How It Is Made - and Why That Matters
Not all sugarcane fibre supplements are equal. The way the fibre is processed makes a big difference to what you actually get.
Traditional industrial bagasse - the fibrous waste left over at sugar mills - is exposed to very high heat and steam during energy recovery. This damages the plant cell walls, destroys heat-sensitive antioxidants, and strips away much of the nutritional value.[8]
Premium Australian sugarcane fibre like Live More You uses what researchers call "virgin processing" - a chemical-free, low-heat approach that keeps the full nutritional profile intact.
When comparing sugarcane fibre supplements, look for products that specify low-heat or chemical-free processing and source from Australian-grown cane - it is better regulated and more traceable. As a food supplement sold in Australia, Live More You Sugarcane Fibre is regulated under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Food Standards Code, which sets strict requirements for ingredient safety, heavy metal limits, microbial standards, and labelling accuracy.[9]
Health Benefits of Sugarcane Fibre
1. It helps you go to the bathroom more regularly
This is the most immediate benefit most people notice. The high insoluble fibre content adds bulk to the stool and draws water into the bowel, making it easier and more comfortable to pass. If you struggle with constipation or irregular habits, this product can make a real difference fairly quickly - often within the first week of consistent use.
A clinical trial at Monash University found that IBS patients using sugarcane bagasse fibre had stool output around 50% higher than during the control period, with improved stool water content and normalised transit time.[10]
2. It feeds the good bacteria in your gut
Sugarcane fibre acts as a prebiotic - it provides food for the beneficial bacteria living in your large intestine. As these bacteria ferment the fibre, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate. Butyrate is the preferred energy source for the cells lining your colon and is linked to reduced gut inflammation and a stronger gut barrier.[11]
What makes sugarcane fibre stand out here is that it ferments slowly and evenly throughout the colon. This steady release means your gut bacteria get a consistent fuel source without the sudden burst of gas that causes bloating with faster-fermenting fibres like inulin.
A gut microbiota study published in Frontiers in Microbiology (2018) found that whole-plant sugarcane fibre significantly increased beneficial bacteria - including Bifidobacteriaceae - while reducing harmful Enterobacteriaceae. These effects were more pronounced than with either psyllium husk or wheat dextrin.[7]
3. It helps keep blood sugar steadier after meals
The soluble fibre forms a gel-like substance in your small intestine that slows carbohydrate absorption. This flattens the blood sugar spike you would otherwise get after eating. Over time, better blood sugar balance means better energy, fewer cravings, and less strain on your insulin response.[12]
Sugarcane fibre also contains naturally occurring chromium in bioaccessible form - a trace mineral that plays a role in insulin signalling.[4]
4. It supports healthy cholesterol levels
Better Health Victoria - a Victorian State Government health resource - confirms there is good evidence that soluble fibre reduces total blood cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.[13] The mechanism is simple: soluble fibre binds to bile acids in the gut and removes them from the body. Your liver then draws more cholesterol from the blood to replace them, lowering blood cholesterol over time.
5. It helps you feel fuller for longer
Soluble fibre slows stomach emptying and triggers the release of satiety hormones, helping you feel satisfied after meals for longer. This can reduce unnecessary snacking and support a healthy body weight as part of a balanced diet.[14]
Sugarcane Fibre vs Psyllium Husk: Which Is Better?
Psyllium husk has been the go-to fibre supplement for decades and it is well researched. But it has real limitations that sugarcane fibre does not. Here is how they compare based on a peer-reviewed study from Macquarie University that directly tested both.[4]
- Fibre type: Insoluble-dominant (73-86%)
- Prebiotic action: Yes - moderate, steady fermentation
- Natural antioxidants: Yes - polyphenols confirmed
- Bioaccessible minerals: Yes - chromium, magnesium, zinc
- IBS tested: Yes - Monash University clinical trial
- Low FODMAP: Yes - certified
- Texture: Neutral, smooth powder
- LDL cholesterol: Moderate support
- Fibre type: Soluble-dominant (~70% soluble)
- Prebiotic action: Minimal - mainly bulking
- Natural antioxidants: No
- Bioaccessible minerals: No
- IBS tested: Generally yes
- Low FODMAP: Yes
- Texture: Thickens quickly, gluey
- LDL cholesterol: Strong - well documented
| Feature | Sugarcane Fibre | Psyllium Husk |
|---|---|---|
| Prebiotic action | Yes - moderate, steady | Minimal |
| Natural antioxidants | Yes - polyphenols confirmed | No |
| Bioaccessible minerals | Yes - chromium, magnesium, zinc | No |
| Low FODMAP certified | Yes | Yes |
| IBS clinical evidence | Yes - Monash University trial | Generally yes |
| Risk of bloating | Low - slow fermentation | Low - largely non-fermentable |
| LDL cholesterol support | Moderate | Strong - well documented |
| Gluten free | Yes | Yes |
If your main goal is bowel regularity, gut microbiome support, or a gentler IBS-friendly fibre with added antioxidants and minerals - sugarcane fibre has the edge. If lowering LDL cholesterol is your primary goal, psyllium husk has a stronger and more established evidence base for that specific outcome. Many people use both at different times depending on their health focus.
Is Sugarcane Fibre Right for You?
The Australian Research Behind This Product
The science supporting sugarcane fibre has strong Australian roots - conducted at some of the country's most respected universities.
Side Effects and Who Should Be Careful
Sugarcane fibre is well-tolerated by most people, but there are a few things worth knowing before you start.
Normal adjustment symptoms when you first start
If you are not used to eating a lot of fibre, increasing your intake too quickly can cause temporary bloating, gas, or looser stools. This usually settles within 1-2 weeks as your gut bacteria adjust to the new fuel source. It is not a sign something is wrong - it is your microbiome adapting.
Start with half a serving for your first 5-7 days, then gradually increase to a full serving. Always stir into at least 200-250ml of water and drink extra fluids throughout the day. Fibre needs water to work properly - without it, it can have the opposite effect and worsen constipation.
Is it safe for IBS?
Yes - and it is one of the few fibre supplements actually tested in IBS patients. The Monash University clinical trial found that sugarcane bagasse fibre was well tolerated alongside a low FODMAP diet and improved bowel habits without making IBS symptoms worse. The Monash FODMAP team noted it was minimally fermented - meaning it produces very little gas compared to faster-fermenting fibres like inulin.[10, 15]
Does it contain sugar?
No. Despite coming from sugarcane, this product has had 92-95% of the sucrose removed during processing. It will not raise your blood sugar and is suitable for people managing blood sugar levels. It is also Low FODMAP certified.
Groups who should check with a health professional first
- People taking medications - fibre can reduce absorption of some drugs. Take medications at least 1-2 hours before or after your fibre supplement.
- People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - speak with your gastroenterologist before increasing fibre intake.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women - fibre is generally beneficial during pregnancy, but check with your GP or midwife before starting any new supplement.
- People with swallowing difficulties - make sure the powder is thoroughly mixed before drinking.
How to Take Live More You Sugarcane Fibre
One of the real advantages of this product is the neutral flavour - it will not overpower whatever you mix it into. You can stir it into water, juice, smoothies, yoghurt, porridge, or even soup. It does not gel as thickly as psyllium, so the texture is more pleasant.
Week 1-2: Start with half a serving mixed into at least 200ml of water or your preferred drink. Take at the same time each day - consistency matters with fibre.
Week 3 onwards: Move to a full serving once your gut has adjusted. Continue drinking extra water throughout the day.
The recommended daily fibre intake for Australian adults is 25g for women and 30g for men. Most Australians get roughly half that. A quality fibre supplement like this one - used consistently alongside vegetables, legumes, and wholegrains - helps close that gap in a meaningful way.[3]
Results for bowel regularity usually show within 3-7 days. Broader gut microbiome and cholesterol benefits take 4-8 weeks of daily use to build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sugarcane fibre better than psyllium husk?
It depends on what you are trying to achieve. For bowel regularity, gut microbiome support, and IBS-friendly fibre with added antioxidants and minerals, sugarcane fibre has a clear edge. For targeted LDL cholesterol reduction, psyllium husk has a longer and stronger clinical track record. Many people find sugarcane fibre more pleasant to mix and use daily because it does not thicken into a gel the way psyllium does.
Will this raise my blood sugar?
No. Despite coming from sugarcane, the supplement contains no significant sugar - 92-95% of the sucrose is removed during processing. In fact, sugarcane fibre has the opposite effect: its soluble component slows carbohydrate absorption and helps moderate blood sugar spikes after meals. It is suitable for people managing blood sugar levels, though always check with your GP if you have diabetes or are on blood sugar-lowering medication.
Is it suitable if I have IBS?
Yes - it is one of the very few fibre supplements that has been specifically studied in IBS patients. A double-blind randomised controlled trial at Monash University found it was well tolerated by IBS patients on a low FODMAP diet and improved bowel habits without worsening IBS symptoms. Its slow, even fermentation rate produces very little gas - a key advantage for people who react badly to rapidly fermenting fibres like inulin.
How long before I notice results?
Most people notice improvements in bowel regularity within 3-7 days of daily use. Broader changes - like improvements to your gut microbiome, cholesterol levels, or energy - typically take 4-8 weeks to build. Fibre is a long-term daily habit, not a quick fix.
Can I take it every day?
Yes, and daily use is recommended for best results. Consistent daily fibre intake is encouraged by Australian dietary guidelines. Start with half a serving and build up gradually, always with plenty of water.
Is it gluten free and vegan?
Yes to both. Live More You Sugarcane Fibre is gluten free and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Sugarcane naturally contains no gluten, making it a good option for people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity who need a safe fibre supplement.
Can I take it while pregnant?
Fibre is important during pregnancy, and constipation is very common. While sugarcane fibre is a food-derived supplement with no known harmful effects, we always recommend speaking with your GP, midwife, or obstetrician before starting any new supplement during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Does fibre interact with medications?
Fibre can reduce the absorption of some medications if taken at the same time. As a general precaution, take any prescription medication at least 1-2 hours before or after your fibre supplement. If you are on medications for diabetes, cholesterol, or thyroid conditions in particular, check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.
References
- Springer Nature Link. (2024). Sugarcane Fibre as Dietary Supplement, Health Benefits and Applications in Functional Foods. link.springer.com
- Williams, B.A.; Grant, L.J.; Gidley, M.J.; Mikkelsen, D. (2017). Gut fermentation of dietary fibres. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18, 2203.
- National Academies (StatPearls/NCBI). The Role of Dietary Fiber in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Ball, M. et al. (2019). Comparing the chemical composition of dietary fibres prepared from sugarcane, psyllium husk and wheat dextrin. Food Chemistry. PubMed ID: 31260968. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Paroha, S. et al. (2020). Sugarcane Bagasse as Dietary Fibre. Indian Journal of Pure and Applied Biosciences, 8(6), 590-597.
- Oxford Academic. (2020). Soluble dietary fibres from sugarcane bagasse. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 55(5). academic.oup.com
- Williams, B.A. et al. (2018). Fiber Supplements Derived From Sugarcane Stem, Wheat Dextrin and Psyllium Husk Have Different In Vitro Effects on the Human Gut Microbiota. Frontiers in Microbiology. PMC6060387. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc
- Shinde, T. (2020). Dietary Fibre from Virgin Sugarcane. Encyclopedia MDPI. encyclopedia.pub
- Better Health Channel / FSANZ. Food Standards Australia New Zealand. State Government of Victoria. betterhealth.vic.gov.au
- Halmos, E.P. et al. (2022). Supplementing Dietary Fibers With a Low FODMAP Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology. PubMed ID: 34929392. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Health Benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417-1435. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc
- Reynolds, A. et al. (2020). Dietary fibre and whole grains in diabetes management. PLOS Medicine. PMC7059907. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Better Health Victoria. Dietary Fibre. State Government of Victoria. betterhealth.vic.gov.au
- Zhu, J. et al. (2024). Dietary fiber influence on overall health. Frontiers in Nutrition. PMC11671356. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Monash FODMAP. (2022). Supplementing dietary fibres with a low FODMAP diet. monashfodmap.com
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