Agave May Offer Natural Support for Digestive Wellness

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints, affecting roughly one in seven adults worldwide.¹ While increasing dietary fiber is the first-line recommendation, many people fall short of the daily 25-30 grams advised for optimal gut function.²

Plant-derived fibers like inulin and fructans are known to nourish beneficial bacteria and promote bowel regularity, offering a natural, gentle approach to relief. A recent clinical trial from Mexico explored how fructans extracted from the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety, the same plant used to produce tequila, might support digestive wellness in people with functional constipation.

The Study

Researchers at the Salvador Zubirán National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial to test the effects of agave fructans on constipation compared with psyllium husk, a well-established natural fiber supplement.

The study enrolled 79 adults aged 18-75 diagnosed with functional constipation. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups:

• 5 g agave fructans
• 10 g agave fructans
• 5 g agave fructans + 10 g maltodextrin
• 5 g psyllium + 10 g maltodextrin

Each participant consumed one serving daily for eight weeks while maintaining their usual diet. Researchers tracked bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, symptom relief, and overall quality of life.

The Results

After eight weeks, all groups showed a significant increase in complete spontaneous bowel movements and improvements in stool consistency and digestive comfort.

About 70-73% of participants responded positively, regardless of the type or dose of fiber. The combination of 5 g agave fructans + maltodextrin produced the greatest increase in total bowel movements. Participants also reported an overall improvement in quality of life and satisfaction scores.

Importantly, adverse effects were mild and transient, mostly limited to occasional bloating or mild abdominal discomfort during the first week. None of the participants discontinued the study because of side effects. Agave fibers were also rated higher for taste, solubility, and ease of use compared with psyllium.

What Does this Mean?

The findings suggest that agave fructans support regular bowel function and digestive comfort thanks to their richness in soluble fiber. By acting as prebiotics, agave fructans help nourish beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to smoother digestion and potentially broader gut-microbiome benefits.

While psyllium remains a trusted option, agave-based fiber may appeal to those seeking a gentler, plant-based alternative with better palatability. As researchers noted, agave fructans' high fermentability and prebiotic activity could make them a valuable addition to functional foods aimed at improving gut health.

Further studies are needed to explore their long-term metabolic and microbiota effects, but this trial adds to growing evidence that the agave plant offers more than just sweeteners. It may also help keep the digestive system naturally balanced.

Other plant sources of soluble fiber, such as chicory root, artichoke, and oats, have shown similar benefits for supporting regularity and nourishing gut-friendly bacteria.