Benefiber Vs. Metamucil: Unraveling The Best Fiber Supplement For You

Benefiber and Metamucil are two popular over-the-counter fibre supplements that can be used to treat constipation. While both products are effective, they have different active ingredients and may have slightly different effects on the body. This article will explore the similarities and differences between the two supplements, including their respective benefits and side effects, to help you decide which one is right for you.

Metamucil's effectiveness as a laxative

Metamucil is an over-the-counter (OTC) soluble fibre supplement. Metamucil is made from the psyllium husks of the seeds of an Indian herb known as Plantago ovata. Metamucil is also available in capsule and wafer form. Metamucil is considered more effective as a laxative because it can hold water throughout the intestinal tract due to its non-fermentable nature. Metamucil's ability to build bulk in the stool helps produce bowel movements that are easier to pass.

Metamucil has been found to be more effective as a laxative than Benefiber. Metamucil can hold water throughout the intestinal tract due to its non-fermentable nature. Metamucil's ability to build bulk in the stool helps produce bowel movements that are easier to pass. Metamucil has also been found to be more effective in aiding with weight loss.

Metamucil has been shown to have more health benefits than Benefiber. In addition to being a fibre supplement, Metamucil is a proven bulk-forming laxative. Metamucil has also been shown to reduce heart disease by reducing LDL cholesterol. Its effect on slowing digestion time helps maintain glycemic control and may aid in weight loss.

Additionally, the American College of Gastroenterology Chronic Constipation Task Force published findings that psyllium was the only fibre supplement that showed sufficient clinical evidence to support its indication for chronic constipation. Furthermore, a 2012 study found that psyllium therapy significantly lowered LDL cholesterol in adolescent males at risk of heart disease.

The recommended dose of Metamucil for adults is between 1 and 2 teaspoons (tsp) dissolved in 8 ounces of liquid, depending on the reason for use. People who do not get much fibre in their diet should introduce Metamucil slowly to avoid side effects and gradually increase the dosage over time while monitoring their body's reaction.

Benefiber's gluten content

Benefiber is a prebiotic fibre supplement that can be used to treat constipation. It is made from wheat dextrin, a form of wheat starch. While Benefiber is labelled as gluten-free, it does contain a very small amount of gluten. The product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the threshold for a product to be considered gluten-free by the FDA.

People with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease should not use Benefiber unless directed by a healthcare professional. This includes those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The manufacturer's website states that people with gluten intolerance should not consume any products containing gluten, including Benefiber, unless otherwise instructed by their doctor.

Benefiber is a safe and natural laxative that works by absorbing water from the intestines to form softer, bulkier stools. This makes it easier to pass stools and promotes more regular bowel movements. It is important to note that Benefiber is not approved for lowering cholesterol or managing blood sugar.

Metamucil's ability to lower cholesterol

Metamucil is a bulk-forming fiber laxative made from psyllium, a natural product that comes from Plantago ovata seed husks. Metamucil is often known for promoting digestive health and maintaining regularity, but it also has the added benefit of helping to lower cholesterol to promote heart health.

The psyllium fiber in Metamucil helps lower cholesterol by trapping some of it in the digestive system to be removed with waste. When you take psyllium fiber, it forms a gel-like substance that moves through your digestive system. This gel traps some bile in your gut, which is needed for proper digestion. As a result, the liver has to remove bad (LDL) cholesterol from the bloodstream to make more bile. This process helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

The ability of psyllium fiber to lower cholesterol has been supported by various studies. A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2000 looked at eight studies on the cholesterol-lowering benefits of psyllium. Researchers found that psyllium significantly lowered LDL cholesterol in participants who were already consuming a low-fat diet. Additionally, older age groups experienced the largest decrease in LDL cholesterol.

Another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2011 also found a connection between psyllium and cholesterol. This research concluded that adding psyllium to a normal or high-fiber diet resulted in lower LDL and total cholesterol levels.

To effectively use Metamucil to lower cholesterol, specific dosages are recommended. For the Metamucil Sugar-Free Powder and Premium blend, the suggested dose is one rounded teaspoon taken three times a day. For the Real Sugar Powder, the recommended dose is one rounded tablespoon taken three times daily. For the Metamucil Capsules, the suggested dosage is five capsules taken four times a day. It is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have concerns about your heart health.

Side effects of both products

Benefiber and Metamucil are over-the-counter (OTC) soluble fibre supplements designed to relieve constipation. While both products work in a similar way, they may have slightly different effects on the body.

Benefiber Side Effects

Benefiber generally does not cause any serious side effects. However, taking too much may cause loose stools, flatulence, or abdominal cramps. Some people may be allergic to Benefiber and develop skin rashes or hives. It is important to consult a doctor before taking Benefiber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any underlying health conditions. Additionally, people with gluten intolerance must not consume Benefiber products unless directed by a doctor.

Metamucil Side Effects

Metamucil is generally considered safe, but it may cause some mild side effects, such as gas, bloating, and nausea. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as vomiting, abdominal cramping, and bowel obstruction can occur. It is important to follow the directions on the packaging to prevent serious side effects. People with sensitivities to psyllium or allergies to any of the ingredients in Metamucil should avoid taking it. As with Benefiber, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking Metamucil if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant.

Dosage instructions

Benefiber and Metamucil are both fibre supplements that can be used to treat constipation. They are made from different ingredients but both consist of natural soluble fibre, which works as a laxative by absorbing water from your intestines to form softer, bulkier stools.

Benefiber

The standard adult dosage of Benefiber powder is two teaspoons, mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of a beverage or soft food. It can be stirred into hot or cold drinks such as water, coffee, or juice, or into soft foods such as applesauce, pudding, or yoghurt. It can also be used in cooking, for example in recipes for muffins, sauces, or soups. It should not be added to carbonated drinks. The powder should be stirred until it dissolves, which takes about one minute, and then the mixture should be drunk.

The dosage for children aged 6-11 is half that of adults: one teaspoon of powder mixed with 4-8 ounces of a beverage or soft food. For children under 6, or for pregnant or nursing women, it is recommended that you ask a doctor before use.

Benefiber is also available in other forms, such as chewables and caplets, with different dosage instructions. For example, the dosage for Benefiber Orange Crème Chewables is three tablets up to three times daily for adults, and for children under 6, or for pregnant or nursing women, it is recommended that you ask a doctor before use.

Metamucil

The standard adult dosage of Metamucil powder is 3.4 grams (1 rounded teaspoon or 1 powder packet) mixed with at least 8 ounces of a cool liquid, such as water or orange juice. It should be stirred briskly and drunk promptly. If the mixture starts to thicken before you finish drinking it, more liquid can be added and stirred in. For a thinner drink with a lighter flavour, more liquid can be added.

The dosage for children aged 6-11 is half that of adults: 1.7 grams (half a teaspoon or half a powder packet) mixed with 8 ounces of water or another cool liquid, up to three times a day. For children under 6, it is recommended that you ask a doctor before use.

Metamucil is also available in other forms, such as capsules and wafers, with different dosage instructions. For example, the standard adult dosage of Metamucil capsules is 2-5 capsules, up to four times daily. It is recommended that you start with two capsules and increase the dosage if needed, up to a maximum of four servings per day. The typical dosage of Metamucil wafers is two wafers with at least 8 ounces of liquid.

Frequently asked questions