A fiber optic cable can comprise loose spheres or balls disposed in the cable's interstitial spaces, for example between the cable's optical fibers and a surrounding buffer tube. The spheres can have a diameter in a range of 20 microns to 2.5 millimeters. The composition of the spheres can include a material that absorbs water, such as a super absorbent polymer (“SAP”). The SAP material can be distributed uniformly within each sphere. The spheres not only can provide a carrier to facilitate inserting SAP material in the cable during manufacturing, but also can cushion the cable's fibers when the cable is placed in service. When the cable receives stress, motion among the spheres can absorb the stress to shield the fibers from damage.