How to Take Psyllium Husk Fiber Supplements │Metamucil (2024)

Metamucil’s psyllium husk supplements come in three different forms. Ask yourself two important questions before deciding which form to try:

Which form of psyllium husk fiber will fit your lifestyle?

Metamucil is best known for its psyllium husk powders. You can also take Metamucil capsules and thins to get psyllium husk fiber into your diet. If you want to add psyllium husk into your morning or nighttime routine, powders may be the route for you. Metamucil capsules and thins, however, could be a great option if your life is more on-the-go.

What benefits are you looking for?

Psyllium husk can offer up to four benefits—but the form of psyllium husk you take does determine which health benefits you can get. Metamucil powders offer all four benefits: it promotes digestive health*, helps lower cholesterol to promote heart health†, helps support healthy blood sugar levels*, and helps you feel less hungry between meals*. Metamucil capsules offer three benefits: they help support digestive health*, help lower cholesterol to promote heart health†, and help support healthy blood sugar levels*. Metamucil fiber thins help support digestive health* and help satisfy hunger*.

Take it with fluids.

Psyllium husk readily absorbs water, so it’s important to take the supplement with fluids. Dissolving the psyllium husk in water or juice or blending the psyllium husk into a tropical fruit smoothie are good ways to get both the psyllium serving and the required fluids simultaneously. If you drink fluids separately, you can also consume psyllium husk by adding it to food by, for instance, incorporating it into a muffin recipe. Find more recipes with psyllium husk.

Take it as directed on the product label.

Each of Metamucil’s psyllium husk products have specific instructions. In addition to the likely recommendation to take psyllium husk with fluids, serving information should always be followed.

How to Take Psyllium Husk Fiber Supplements │Metamucil (2024)

FAQs

How to Take Psyllium Husk Fiber Supplements │Metamucil? ›

Take it with fluids.

How should I take Metamucil for best results? ›

Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 240 mL of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.

Is one teaspoon of Metamucil enough? ›

If you're taking Metamucil Sugar-Free Powder or Premium Blend, use a teaspoon. If you're taking Metamucil with Real Sugar, use a tablespoon.

How many Metamucil capsules equal 1 tablespoon of powder? ›

A: Five Metamucil Capsules are approximately equivalent to one serving of Metamucil Powder. Depending on the benefits one wants to get from the product, one can use a different number of Capsules. For adding some dietary fiber to the diet, one can take as little as 2 Capsules per serving.

How much Metamucil per day? ›

The bottom line

The typical Metamucil dosage for people ages 12 and older is 3.4 grams (1 serving), mixed with 8 ounces of a cool liquid, up to 3 times a day. The dosage for children ages 6 to 11 years old is 1.7 grams (½ serving), mixed with 8 ounces of a cool liquid, up to 3 times a day.

What is the best time to take Metamucil morning or night? ›

You can take Metamucil at any time of day. But it's a good idea to avoid taking it at bedtime. This may help you avoid bothersome side effects, such as dehydration and having to go to the bathroom at night. If Metamucil isn't helping your constipation after about a week, contact your healthcare professional.

Is 2 tablespoons of Metamucil too much? ›

2 tablespoons should not cause any issues whatsoever. You will be fine. There is nothing to worry about.

What is the downside to taking Metamucil? ›

Common side effects include abdominal cramps, bloating, and changes in stool consistency. May aggravate hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If the daily recommended amount of fluid is not drunk, then Metamucil could cause severe constipation, especially in people who are already dehydrated.

Which form of Metamucil is best? ›

You can also take Metamucil capsules and thins to get psyllium husk fiber into your diet. If you want to add psyllium husk into your morning or nighttime routine, powders may be the route for you. Metamucil capsules and thins, however, could be a great option if your life is more on-the-go.

Is it better to use Metamucil powder or capsules? ›

The short answer is yes: the capsules are as good as the powder. But there is more to this question. Metamucil will help with cholesterol and glucose control (note the word is “help”), which is important. It prevents constipation which is important for prevention of colonic diverticular disease.

Is psyllium husk better than Metamucil? ›

Metamucil has an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 from a total of 70 ratings on Drugs.com. 59% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 31% reported a negative effect. Psyllium has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 88 ratings on Drugs.com.

Can I take 2 Metamucil capsules at once? ›

Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Many times Metamucil (psyllium capsules) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

How many psyllium husk capsules per day? ›

Stop use and ask a doctor if
adults and children 12 years and older5 capsules, 1 to 3 times a day
children 6 to 11 yearsconsider use of powder form of product
children under 6 yearsask a doctor

How to take psyllium husk capsules? ›

You should always take psyllium with a full 8 oz. glass of water, and you should drink at least 6 to 8 full glasses of water throughout the day to avoid constipation. Taking psyllium supplements without adequate liquids may cause it to swell, and, in extreme cases, cause choking.

What is a good alternative to Metamucil? ›

  • Colace.
  • Dulcolax.
  • Bisacodyl.
  • Polyethylene glycol 3350.
  • Dulcolax Stool Softener.
  • Magnesium oxide.

Is there a downside to taking Metamucil? ›

Common side effects include abdominal cramps, bloating, and changes in stool consistency. May aggravate hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If the daily recommended amount of fluid is not drunk, then Metamucil could cause severe constipation, especially in people who are already dehydrated.

Is it better to take fiber in the morning or at night? ›

The short answer is that you can take the fiber supplement anytime during the day. However, to optimize how your body uses it, consider taking your fiber supplement in the late morning to allow the filling effects to influence how much you eat at lunch and dinner.

Do I need to drink more water when taking Metamucil? ›

Oftentimes, bloating happens when people don't drink enough water when taking their dose of Metamucil. So be sure to take your doses with enough fluids.

What is the best thing to mix Metamucil with? ›

If you choose powdered Metamucil, you can mix with juice or water, but make sure that the liquid is cool. Hot liquids make it hard to mix and drink your Metamucil because the psyllium fiber gels faster in comparison.

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