Question 1

Q: Why have the drug facts, drug information been removed from the Metamucil Powders labels?

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil MultiHealth Fiber is now presented under the Meta health line and is a daily fiber supplement. The label information has been updated to communicate the usage and directions to obtain the multihealth benefits of this fiber supplement. Therefore, the Drug Facts have been removed from the labels of most of our products. For those who still want to use Metamucil as a therapy for occasional constipation, there are four Metamucil products that retained the drug facts as a fiber therapy for regularity. These include the Metamucil Orange Powder 30 count singles (Sugar and Sugar-Free versions) and the Metamucil Orange 48 dose Powder (Sugar and Sugar-Free versions).

Question 2

Q: What is the supplement ingredient in Metamucil?

Accepted Answer

A: The active ingredient in Metamucil is a natural plant fiber that is a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber.

Question 3

Q: How much soluble fiber from psyllium husk is in a single serving of Meta?

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil powder formulations deliver approximately 2.4 g of soluble fiber per serving. Metamucil capsules deliver 1.8 grams of soluble fiber and Metamucil capsules plus calcium deliver 2.1 grams of soluble fiber per serving.

Question 4

Q: How are the types of fiber different?

Accepted Answer

A: Soluble fibers dissolve in liquid and insoluble fibers do not dissolve in liquid. Soluble fiber is further subdivided into viscous and non-viscous fiber. Soluble non-viscous fibers dissolve entirely in liquid and serve only to increase daily fiber intake with no additional health benefits at normal serving sizes. Viscous soluble fiber (such as the kind in Metamucil) forms a viscous gel. Insoluble fibers do not form gels and move through the GI tract largely intact. Most fibers are exclusively soluble or insoluble but not a mixture of both types. Psyllium husk is unique because it is rich in viscous soluble fiber (70-80%) and insoluble fiber. In fact, psyllium husk is one of the highest naturally occurring sources of viscous soluble fiber. Both types of fiber are important to a healthy diet.

Question 5

Q: How does psyllium fiber help maintain healthy blood sugar levels as part of my patients’ diet?*

Accepted Answer

A: Psyllium husk is a soluble viscous fiber that forms a viscous gel, which traps sugars as the gel moves through the intestines. Trapped sugars are slowly released and absorbed into the body helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Question 6

Q: Do Capsules have the same benefits as other versions of Metamucil?

Accepted Answer

A: [Metamucil Capsules](/en-us/products), Powders, and Meta Fiber Thins all contain psyllium husk. Please refer to their product detail pages for the details and benefits each product provides.

Question 7

Q: Why are so many Capsules required per serving?

Accepted Answer

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. For maintaining regularity or healthy blood sugar levels and helping to lower cholesterol, one will need more grams of soluble fiber from psyllium husk per serving. Please refer to serving information page for details.

Question 8

Q: How much sugar is in Meta products, and what effect would this have on a calorie-restricted diet?

Accepted Answer

A: Meta Fiber Thins and some powdered formulations of Metamucil contain sugar. Patients on a calorie-restricted diet should read the label to account for the calories per serving in Wafers (100 calories per serving) and Metamucil Powders (caloric content varies by specific product). There are, however, sugar free Metamucil Powders and Capsules that have fewer calories.

Question 9

Q: Are there any drug interactions or restrictions with Metamucil?

Accepted Answer

A: Bulk fibers may affect how well other medications work. If your patients are taking a prescription medication by mouth, they should take Metamucil at least two hours before or two hours after the prescribed medicine.

Question 10

Q: What are the exact medications one should be careful to separate by the recommended two-hour period?

Accepted Answer

A: All oral prescription medications are covered by this label precaution. Healthcare professionals wanting further information should call 1-800-983-4237.

Question 11

Q: Why is the serving size different for some versions of Metamucil Powders?

Accepted Answer

A: All Metamucil powder products contain the same amount of psyllium husk per serving—which equates to 2.4 grams of soluble fiber. However, serving size amounts differ by version because the sweeteners and flavorings used in each Metamucil product vary in volume and density.

Question 12

Q: In what flavors/varieties/forms is psyllium available in fiber products from Meta?

Accepted Answer

A:Currently, Metamucil is available in Capsules, Capsules Plus Calcium, Original Coarse, Orange Coarse, Original Smooth Sugar-Free, Orange Smooth Sugar-Free, Berry Smooth Sugar-Free, Pink Lemonade Sugar-Free. Metamucil Fiber Thins are available in Apple Crisp and Cinnamon Spice flavors (natural and artificial flavors). See our product list for more details

Question 13

Q: Can I use Metamucil in a nasogastric (ng) tube? In a gastric (g) tube?

Accepted Answer

A: No. The product should be used per the label directions.

Question 14

Q: Where can I find information on Metamucil sodium/potassium/calorie/carbohydrate/fat/phenylalanine levels per serving?

Accepted Answer

A: You can consult our dosage and serving information page or call 1-800-983-4237. If you choose to call, additional information is available on elements such as phosphorus and magnesium content.

Question 15

Q: Do Meta products contain gluten?

Accepted Answer

A: All Metamucil Powders and Capsules are gluten-free (less than 20 ppm). Meta Fiber Thins, however, contain gluten (Apple Crisp 0.7 grams/serving; Cinnamon Spice 0.5 grams/serving) because they have wheat flour as an ingredient.

Question 16

Q: Which Meta products do not contain aspartame?

Accepted Answer

A. Metamucil Original Coarse Powder Metamucil Orange Coarse Powder Metamucil Sugar Free Orange Smooth Powder Metamucil Smooth Original Powder Metamucil Fiber Capsules Metamucil Capsules Plus Calcium Meta Fiber Thins (both Apple Crisp and Cinnamon Spice)

Question 17

Q: Which Metamucil has gelatin in it? Is it Kosher?

Accepted Answer

A: Metamucil Fiber Capsules and Metamucil Capsules Plus Calcium contain gelatin. Metamucil has not gone through certification to be Kosher.

Question 18

Q: Does Metamucil cause diarrhea?

Accepted Answer

A: Unlike many other stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, or mineral oil, Metamucil should not cause diarrhea when used as directed. On the contrary, Metamucil can absorb and retain water to make loose stools less watery. Many doctors believe that a bulk fiber can help make bowel movements more formed and less fluid. In at least eight studies done on Metamucil and psyllium (Metamucil's fiber ingredient), psyllium was shown to improve viscosity of loose stools and make stools firmer.

Question 19

Q: Are there sugar-free options for my patients?

Accepted Answer

A: Yes, Metamucil offers Sugar Free Orange Smooth Powder, Sugar Free Berry Smooth Powder (all with aspartame),and Original Smooth Powder (with no sweeteners). Metamucil Fiber Capsules and Metamucil Capsules Plus Calcium do notcontain any sugar, sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners.

Question 20

Q: Can psyllium cause an allergic reaction?

Accepted Answer

A: This product may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to inhaled or ingested psyllium.

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