Question 1

Q: What is Metamucil used for?

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil is used for many reasons, like increasing your daily fiber intake, treating occasional constipation, and more.
Metamucil is a fiber supplement that provides [four key benefits](/en-us/articles/Fiber-101/4-in-1-fiber):
- Helps support digestive health.*
  The psyllium fiber in Metamucil helps maintain regularity.* It can be used to       treat occasional constipation.
- Helps support heart health [by lowering cholesterol†](/en-us/articles/Fiber-and-diet/how-the-psyllium-fiber-in-metamucil-can-help-lower-cholesterol)
 Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 7 grams of soluble fiber per day from psyllium husk, like Metamucil, may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.†
- Helps support healthy blood sugar levels* 
  Metamucil forms a viscous gel that traps sugars, which are more slowly absorbed     into the body.*
- Helps support appetite control*
  As the psyllium fiber in Metamucil powder thickens, it forms a gel that helps you   feel fuller.*

Question 2

Q: How do I take Metamucil?

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil comes in many forms – like powders, capsules, [thins, and gummies](/en-us) . The form you choose will determine how to take Metamucil to reach your fiber goals.

Question 3

Q: How to Take Metamucil Powders

Accepted Answer

A:[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKyVpL0WIfU)
If you’re new to Metamucil powders, start with one serving per day. Gradually increase to your desired daily intake. Note that you may experience changes in your bowel habits or minor bloating as your body adjusts to the increased fiber intake. Drink lots of water throughout the day.
Here are the steps to take Metamucil powders:
1. Put 1-2 rounded spoons in an empty glass. If you’re taking [Metamucil Sugar-Free Powder](/en-us/products/metamucil-fiber-supplement/sugar-free-orange-smooth) or [Premium Blend](/en-us/products/metamucil-fiber-supplement/metamucil-premium-blend), use a teaspoon. If you’re taking [Metamucil with Real Sugar](/en-us/products/metamucil-fiber-supplement/orange-smooth), use a tablespoon.
2. Mix briskly with 8 oz. or more of cool liquid.
3. Drink promptly, and enjoy!

Question 4

Q:How to Take Metamucil Capsules

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil also comes in capsule form. One serving of Metamucil is 5 capsules. Swallow 1 capsule at a time and take it in an upright position to increase your daily fiber intake.

Question 5

Q: How much Metamucil should I take?

Accepted Answer

A: For best results, we recommend taking Metamucil daily. How much Metamucil should be taken depends on what benefits you want to get from it. Remember that for Metamucil powders, the type of spoon you use depends on whether you have Sugar, Sugar Free, or Premium.

Question 6

Q: How Much Metamucil to Take for Digestive Health* and Heart Health†

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil Powder: Take 1 rounded spoon 3 times per day before each meal to help lower cholesterol to promote heart health† and promote digestive health.*
Metamucil Capsules: Take 5 capsules 4 times per day before each meal to help lower cholesterol to promote heart health.† Or take 2 to 5 capsules up to 4 times per day to promote digestive health.*
Check with your health care professional if you are using Metamucil as part of a cholesterol-lowering program.

Question 7

Q: How Much Metamucil to Take to Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels*

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil Powder: Take 1 rounded spoon 3 times per day before each meal to help support [healthy blood sugar levels](/en-us/articles/Fiber-101/how-psyllium-fiber-can-help-maintain-healthy-blood-sugar).*
Metamucil Capsules: Take 5 capsules up to 4 times per day before each meal to help support healthy blood sugar levels.*
Check with your health care professional if you are currently using any medications to control your blood sugar levels.

Question 8

Q: How Much Metamucil to Take for Appetite Control*

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil Powder: Take 2 rounded spoons 3 times per day before each meal to help control hunger between meals.*

Question 9

Q: How long does it take Metamucil powder to work?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the benefit you are looking for. Feelings of fullness between meals* happens pretty quickly and promoting regularity usually takes between 12 to 72 hours. Promoting heart health† and helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels* are not something you can notice on your own. It is best to discuss with your health care provider to understand how these benefits will show up.  
We recommend taking Metamucil daily for it to work its best. When you first start taking Metamucil, you may experience changes in your bowel movements or minor bloating as your body adjusts to more fiber. 
Try taking Metamucil daily for two full weeks to make it a daily habit and start feeling lighter and more regular*. You can [sign up for the Two-Week Challenge](/en-us/offer-main-section/two-week-challenge) for tips, tricks, and reminders to keep you going strong.

Question 10

Q: What does it mean to feel lighter with Metamucil powders?

Accepted Answer

Metamucil works naturally with your body to trap and remove the waste that weighs you down.* Metamucil users describe feeling lighter and more energetic after two weeks of taking it each day.**

Question 11

Q: Is Metamucil a laxative?

Accepted Answer

A: Yes, Metamucil’s psyllium fiber is a laxative as well as a fiber supplement. The psyllium fiber in Metamucil works by forming a gel inside your digestive system that traps and removes the waste that weighs you down.* If you are experiencing less-than-ideal bowel movements, the fiber in Metamucil treats occasional constipation. It supports your digestive system* and is safe to take daily. It is not a stimulant laxative.

Question 12

Q: What is psyllium?

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil powders, capsules, and thins are made with plant-based psyllium husk, which is a [dietary fiber](/en-us/articles/Fiber-101/which-dietary-fiber-supplement-is-best-for-me-and-my-diet) from the plantago ovata plant. It is the powerful fiber in Metamucil that gives [you all these great benefits](/en-us/articles/Fiber-101/4-in-1-fiber)  .

Question 13

Q: What is the difference between Smooth Texture and Coarse Milled Texture?

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil Smooth Fiber Supplement Powder is ground into finer particles than Metamucil Coarse Fiber Supplement Powder. Because of individual taste differences, you may prefer either Metamucil Smooth products or the Metamucil Coarse products, but the effects are the same.

Question 14

Q: What is maltodextrin?

Accepted Answer

A: The maltodextrin in Metamucil is a carbohydrate derived from cornstarch. We use it to improve texture and aid in mixing.

Question 15

Q: Is Metamucil gluten free?

Accepted Answer

A: Yes – Metamucil powders, capsules, and gummies are gluten free, following the FDA guideline that foods that carrying the label “gluten-free” can contain no more than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten. Metamucil Thins are not gluten free.

Question 16

Q: What is a low glycemic index?

Accepted Answer

A: When carbohydrates are digested, glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream. The slower the carbohydrate is digested, the slower the glucose appears in the blood—resulting in a low glycemic index rating. Products with a low glycemic index have a relatively low impact on blood sugar levels, making them a good addition to any healthy diet. Metamucil Powders and Metamucil Fiber Capsules have a low glycemic index.

Question 17

Q: How does Metamucil support appetite control?

Accepted Answer

A: When combined with water Metamucil powder thickens and forms a gel, slowing digestion and pushing against the walls of the stomach which promotes a sensation of fullness, leaving you less hungry between meals.*

Question 18

Q: Is there any scientific or medical evidence for the heart health claim?

Accepted Answer

A: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed extensive scientific data including numerous clinical studies to determine that psyllium husk, as in Metamucil powders and capsules, may help lower cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart disease when part of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.†

Question 19

Q: Why should I talk to my healthcare provider before taking Metamucil to support heart health or healthy blood sugar levels?

Accepted Answer

A: We recommend that you contact your healthcare provider before using Metamucil as part of a diet to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering cholesterol or to maintain your healthy blood sugar levels. There are many factors that your healthcare provider will need to consider, including your health, medical and family history, lifestyle, other medication, and other risk factors. Your healthcare provider is the best one to advise you. Also, consider bulk-forming fibers like psyllium husk may affect how well medicines work. Take Metamucil at least 2 hours before or after medicines.
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iezdivz_xR0)

Question 20

Q: Should I take Metamucil for an occasionally upset stomach?

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil is not intended to treat an upset stomach. For relief of occasional upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, and indigestion due to overindulgence in food and drink, we recommend [Pepto-Bismol](https://pepto-bismol.com/en-us/products) .

Question 21

Q: When should I take Metamucil fiber? Should I take it before or after meals?

Accepted Answer

A: Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil fiber as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 8 ounces of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil between one and three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil. However, if you're taking it to help you feel less hungry between meals,* the best time to take Metamucil powder is before eating.

Bulk-forming fibers like psyllium husk, may affect how well medicines work. Take this product at least 2 hours before or after medicines. Our powdered product must be mixed with liquids, not taken in its dry form. Capsules should be taken one at a time; we do not recommend dissolving them in water. For Metamucil Fiber Capsules and Capsules Plus Calcium, we recommend taking them four times per day with at least 8 ounces of liquid, as indicated.

Question 22

Q: Can I take Metamucil every day?

Accepted Answer

A: Yes! For best results, we recommend taking the dietary fiber supplement Metamucil every day. Metamucil fiber powders can be taken up to three times per day as a dietary fiber supplement.
If you are considering use of Metamucil as part of a cholesterol-lowering program† or to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels as part of your diet,* please consult your healthcare provider.
Bulk-forming fibers like psyllium husk, may affect how well medicines work. Take this product at least 2 hours before or after medicines.

Question 23

Q: Can I take Metamucil for occasional constipation?

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil can be used to relieve occasional constipation (irregularity). Mix one dose of Metamucil powder with at least 8 ounces of water. It should produce a bowel movement between 12 to 72 hours. If your constipation persists beyond seven days, consult your healthcare provider because it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Bulk-forming fibers like psyllium husk, may affect how well medicines work. Take this product at least 2 hours before or after medicines.

Question 24

Q: Can I give Metamucil to my child?

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil Powders and Capsules are intended for users ages 12 and up.

Question 25

Q: Can I add Metamucil to coffee or tea?

Accepted Answer

A: No, adding Metamucil to hot beverages causes it to gel more rapidly. We recommend adding Metamucil to cool or cold liquids.

Question 26

Q: Why is the serving size different for Sugar and Sugar Free Powders?

Accepted Answer

A: Serving size amounts differ by version because the sweeteners and flavorings used in each Metamucil product vary in volume.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAi3isLEgog]

METAMUCIL FAQS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MORE ABOUT METAMUCIL

FIBER 101

Which Dietary Fiber Supplement Is Best for Me and My Diet?

METAMUCIL BENEFITS

Benefits of Metamucil Fiber Supplement

METAMUCIL BENEFITS

Sign up for Metamucil’s Two-Week Challenge