A study published in the journal Advances in Therapy found that Citrucel was effective in reducing constipation and improving overall bowel function in a group of 100 adults over a 4-week period. This makes taking the supplement more convenient as people can swallow the supplement with a large glass of water. Do not exceed 6 caplets per day. Optum Store, Optum Perks, and Healthline Media are owned by RVO Health. Overall, its important to choose a fiber supplement that best supports your needs whether thats treating occasional constipation, lowering cholesterol, or lowering blood sugar levels while also honoring your preferences. Anyone with stomach or digestive disorders should talk to their doctor before taking either of these supplements. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Tell your doctor about any medicine you start or stop using and all the medicines you use now. Citrucel's fiber comes from cellulose, which is soluble fiber. Its tasteless and odorless, which also makes it extremely versatile. All Rights Reserved, Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker. What is the difference between Citrucel and Metamucil? Fiber has been shown to improve LDL (bad) cholesterol and other blood lipid levels to support heart health. Bulking forms of insoluble fiber are good choices if you're experiencing constipation that generally seems to improve on a higher fiber diet, whether it's opioid-induced or not. Can i take pepto bismo and metamucil at the sametime? What are basic principles of The Genotype Diet? Anyone taking regular medication should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using these supplements. 58% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 31% reported a negative effect. Metamucil contains psyllium husk powder. Citrucel vs Metamucil? - HealingWell Are fiber supplements safe to use regularly and long term? Required fields are marked *. CITRUCEL container read Tablespoon not teaspoon as mention in the article. Is one better than the other? Its main ingredientis methylcellulose, a type of fiber that absorbs water so it helps to soften the feces. Metamucil Unflavored Smooth Texture Sugar Free. Ask a doctor before giving fiber supplements to children under 6. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You may take your medications one hour before or two hours after eating fiber to minimize the interaction. Thank. In most cases, the choice between them is personal preference. Women 51 and older should have at least 21 grams a day. Women should aim for 28 g per day, and men should aim for at least 34 g per day. Citrucel contains methylcellulose, which is a type of soluble fiber that is derived from cellulose, a natural substance found in plants. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Here is a comparison of their uses, dosage, and side effects: The active ingredient in this fiber supplement is methylcellulose, a type of fiber derived from plants. Psyllium is a type of fiber made from the husks of psyllium seeds. PureLean Fiber also contains a prebiotic ingredient, PreticX (a XOS, or xylooligosaccharide). The Garden of Life Organic Fiber Supplement provides 5 g of prebiotic fiber per serving derived from organic acacia, organic orange peel, organic baobab fruit, organic apple peel, and organic cranberry fruit. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. I wonder if they were going to quit making them. Miralax attracts water in the colon, leading to stool retaining more water. Citrucel (methylcellulose) is mainly insoluble fibers that are nonfermentable, so its less likely to contribute to bloating and gas. Many cereals, such as bran flakes, are good sources of fiber. Increasing dietary fiber with either Metamucil or Benefiber may cause a few side effects or risks, such as the following: Some people might experience gas or stomach cramps while taking these supplements, though the symptoms may go away as the body gets used to the supplement. READ MORE: Pazeo vs Pataday (Olopatadine) Which Are The Best Over-The-Counter Eye Drops? If you have diabetes, you may need to use a flavorless formula to avoid extra sugar. High cholesterol. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Fiber is a crucial part of a persons diet. 6.7 out of 10 from a total of It can also be used in cooking and doesnt thicken. Our dietitian evaluated top products and their pros and cons. Both products can be taken on a long-term basis without . Gradually increase the number of servings from 1 to 3 per day while judging how the body reacts to the product. Will metamucil deplete your sodium levels? However, the specific benefits and mechanisms of action may differ between the two products, and it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to determine which product is right for you based on your individual needs and health status. Metamucil Versus Citrucel - HRF Metamucil is the only leading brand to contain a 100 percent plant-based natural fiber called Psyllium Fiber, which is derived from the seeds of an herb called Plantago ovate grown mainly in India. I take four caplets per day so use a lot. Metamucil Unflavored Coarse Milled Original Texture. The researchers recommend eating a healthful, fiber-rich diet in addition to taking fiber supplements. The fiber in these products needs water to form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, and without enough water, they can cause constipation or other digestive issues. - 240 Fiber Caplets--Excellent Value - Same gentle fiber as Citrucel . Theres no conclusive evidence that states a preferred time of day to take fiber supplements. Many fiber supplements can be used regularly long term. Psyllium husk (Metamucil and Konsyl) is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Metamucil VS Citrucel | Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Digestive Health For example, psyllium husk can help to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Its available in an unflavored powder and a Citrus flavored powder. Benefiber and Metamucil are both over-the-counter (OTC) soluble fiber supplements. As it swells up in the intestines, it increases the volume of the intestinal contents. Stir the recommended dosage into 48 ounces of liquid, making sure the powder dissolves thoroughly before drinking. If I were you I wouldn't force it and would stay on citrucel. In addition to treating constipation, Metamucil may also help lower your cholesterol levels, and may improve your blood sugar control if you have type 2 diabetes. What is the difference between citrucel & metamucil? Citrucel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. (2013, December 19). Metamucil and Citrucel may affect the way the following medications work: Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), Probiotic Formula (bifidobacterium infantis / lactobacillus acidophilus). No comments yet. Benefiber is a wheat dextrin fiber supplement; it is tasteless and can dissolve in both hot and cold liquids (24). This supplement is also touted to support weight loss goals, as it provides 1 g of glucomannan per serving. People can increase their fiber by eating more high-fiber foods or introducing fiber supplements. Metamucil may also help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar spikes in people with type 2 diabetes. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. For example, fiber supplements containing psyllium fiber such as that found in Metamucil have been shown to improve glycemic control, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes (15). If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission or other tangible benefit. Increasing your dietary intake of fiber is generally considered safe for most people. Last medically reviewed on February 28, 2023. Psyllium absorbs liquid in the intestines and swells, creating a bulky stool that is easy to pass. While Citrucel is made from Methyl Cellulose, a chemical compound that is derived from cellulose, Metamucil on the other hand is made from psyllium seed husk that is ground into a powder. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. They can help you to evaluate your individual needs and develop a personalized plan to improve your digestive health. The powdered version of both products mixes well in cool or room temperature liquids, including smoothies, protein shakes, water, juice, or milk. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a506fb073f54ff9fac20ebbb7b6494dc" );document.getElementById("abb3b872df").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. My GI recommended Citrucel since it doesn't cause gas and is apparently made from fiber that doesn't feed the "bad" methyl bacteria. Citrucel and Metamucil are . Although fiber supplements can fill the daily fiber gap, they usually have only one type of fiber, rather than a variety of fibers and micronutrients, and they may not provide all the health benefits associated with fiber in food. Seems I have a longer colon which explains my constipation problems. Besides the overall good feeling of being regular, research has shown that psyllium found as Metamucil can ease the painful symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohns disease, and anal fissures (21, 22, 23). Citrucel vs Metamucil: Differences, Similarities, Which is better? Fiber supplements: Safe to take every day? - Mayo Clinic You also may want to consider nonfiber products, such as stool softeners, stimulant medications that cause your intestines to contract, enemas or suppositories. Fib Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. Citrucel and Metamucil are recommended for daily use in order to maintain regular bowel movements and promote overall digestive health. These are members of a larger class of laxatives called saline osmotics, which draw water into the bowels and trigger bowel movements.