The science behind The Missing Piece

What’s in a sachet, where each fibre goes, and the studies behind it.

One colon, three zones

Your colon has three zones. Different fibres work in different zones, so the blend is designed to cover all three. Inulin is used up in zone 1, PHGG carries on into zone 2, and the resistant dextrins last to zone 3. Simplified: where gut bacteria eat each fibre varies from person to person.

Inulin (from chicory root): fast, used up first, in zone 1 of the colon (ascending colon).
PHGG, partially hydrolysed guar gum (from guar beans): steady, takes over in zone 2 (transverse colon).
Resistant dextrin from corn starch: slow, works in zone 3 (descending colon), at the end.
Resistant dextrin from tapioca starch: slow, works in zone 3, at the end.

What the research says

In one study on people, 30+ kinds of plants a week went with more varied gut bacteria. A link, not proof of cause (McDonald 2018).
In a lab test with gut bacteria, inulin was busiest at about 8 hours, PHGG at 12 and wheat dextrin, a relative of resistant dextrin, at 24 (Noack 2013, Timm 2010).
In a lab test with gut bacteria from older adults, inulin plus resistant dextrin made less gas than inulin alone. An early finding from one small lab test (Yoshida 2024).
PHGG, 6 g a day for 12 weeks in people with IBS and bloating: bloating scores improved more than with placebo (Niv 2016).
PHGG 5 g against wheat bran 30 g a day for 12 weeks in IBS: both eased pain and bowel habits; more people did well on PHGG, and it was better tolerated (Parisi 2002).
Resistant dextrin, 8 to 20 g a day for 14 days in healthy adults: raised Bacteroides; no stomach upset reported (Lefranc-Millot 2012).
Resistant dextrin, up to 20 g a day for 6 weeks in healthy women: raised Parabacteroides distasonis (Thirion 2022).

These studies tested the same types of fibre that are in the sachet, not the sachet itself, and the doses differ. They are not a promise of results, and people respond differently. Not medical advice.

Four fibre ingredients. Nothing in the fine print

No added sugar, no sweeteners and no added flavour, no maltodextrin, no chemical gums, no stimulant laxatives such as senna.

PHGG and resistant dextrin are low-viscosity fibres, so unlike psyllium (isabgol) they don’t gel. Made to be stirred into hot or cold drinks.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How much fibre is in one sachet?

Designed for 10g*, from four fibre ingredients: a small amount of inulin, partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG), and resistant dextrin from corn and tapioca. Nothing else. *Target. The tested value will be printed on the label and published in the Batch 001 proof tracker.

Will it change the taste of my chai, coffee or dal?

The fibres are low-viscosity and made to be stirred into hot or cold drinks. There’s no added flavour. In plain water some people notice a very faint sweetness. For dal, stir it in once it’s cooked, not while it simmers.

How much fibre should I aim for?

Adult guidelines suggest about 25–30 g a day. The map uses 30 g as a simple reference. The fibre test shows how far your usual meals get you.

How should I start?

Take half a sachet a day for the first 4–5 days, then move to a full sachet. More fibre can cause some gas while your gut adjusts, and going slow helps. Drink water through the day.

Why four fibres, and why resistant dextrin twice?

Fibres are used up at different speeds: inulin early, PHGG at a steadier pace and resistant dextrin slowly. The blend is designed to spread that work along the colon. Resistant dextrin appears twice because one is made from corn and one from tapioca.

Can I put it in hot tea or coffee?

It is designed to be stirred into hot or cold drinks. Our heat test result will be published in the Batch 001 proof tracker.

Isn’t fibre from food better?

Food first, always. Whole foods bring vitamins, minerals and more. The sachet is for the part of the gap a normal day of eating doesn’t cover.

Can I take it with medicines?

Fibre can change how some medicines are absorbed, so keep it about 2 hours apart from them. If you take regular medication, are pregnant, or have a gut condition, check with your doctor first.

When should I see a doctor instead?

If you notice blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, severe or ongoing stomach pain, or a change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few weeks, see a doctor. Fibre is not a treatment for these.

When can I buy it?

It’s launching soon. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to know.