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When you need a fiber supplement or a laxative, Metamucil and Benefiber are two good choices. They are made from different ingredients, but both products are made from natural soluble fiber, which prevents or relieves constipation and can help lower cholesterol. Although both are safe, do not take Benefiber if you must avoid gluten, and note that Metamucil may cause an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to psyllium.
Is Metamucil And Benefiber The Same Thing
Benefiber's active ingredient is wheat dextrin – a fiber extracted from wheat starch. Metamucil is made from the seeds of the psyllium plant. Although they are different sources, wheat dextrin and psyllium are soluble fibers. These fibers work naturally and are the safest type of laxative, according to FamilyDoctor.org. As psyllium and wheat dextrin pass through the digestive tract, they absorb water and expand, creating larger, softer stools. Larger stools cause the muscles in the intestines to contract, which helps them move through the intestines.
Good Sources Of Fiber
The best way to prevent constipation is to get the recommended daily intake of fiber -- 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men -- from foods like beans, whole grains, bran products, vegetables and fruits. However, psyllium and wheat dextrin supplements can help fill the gap if your diet doesn't meet these goals. Whether you use powder, wafers, or tablets, Benefiber and Metamucil provide about 3 grams and 6 grams of fiber per serving. Do not eat more than recommended on the package or use supplements to exceed the recommended daily fiber intake, unless under medical supervision.
The active ingredients in Metamucil and Benefiber may provide other health benefits in addition to their laxative effect. Soluble fiber is known for its ability to lower cholesterol, but psyllium has been studied more than wheat dextrin. Psyllium supports the same health claims as oats, saying it can reduce the risk of heart disease when included in a low-fat diet. Psyllium and wheat dextrin are fermented by good bacteria in your colon, according to a study published in the August 2010 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food." This fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids, which are absorbed and used for energy.
Whether fiber comes from your diet or supplements, a sudden increase in intake can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. Add fiber gradually and drink plenty of fluids. Benefiber is well tolerated, but is a wheat-based product and contains a very small amount of gluten, so do not take if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Some people are sensitive to psyllium, in which case it can cause an allergic reaction. If using the powder form, avoid inhaling psyllium powder. Stop taking laxatives and call your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing, severe abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, or constipation that lasts more than seven days. We include products that we believe will be useful to our readers. If you purchase through the links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here is our process.
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Benefiber and Metamucil are two popular supplements for relieving constipation and digestive problems. Each can cause different side effects.
Benefiber and Metamucil are fiber supplements designed to relieve constipation. Both brands work in very similar ways, but may have slightly different effects on the body.
In this article, we will look at the similarities and differences between Benefiber and Metamucil for constipation and other medical conditions, and alternative products such as Miralax and Citrucel.
Both products have a high concentration of fiber. Fiber makes a person's stools larger and softer, resulting in comfortable and more frequent bowel movements.
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The Metamucil label says it can improve people's cholesterol levels and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This is because it contains psyllium.
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition tested Metamucil on 72 people who were overweight or obese. They found that the addition of this extra fiber improved cholesterol and insulin levels.
In addition to taking fiber supplements, the researchers recommend eating a healthy, high-fiber diet. It is not clear whether Benefiber will have similar effects.
Benefiber contains wheat, but is considered gluten-free by the manufacturer because it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, they say that people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should not use Benefiber unless prescribed by a doctor.
Best Fiber Supplements For Ibs
Benefiber contains fewer additional ingredients than Metamucil. Benefiber contains only wheat germ, which may make it a more natural option.
A more natural version of Metamucil also exists, although the popular orange-flavored forms of Metamucil often contain sweeteners, dyes, and other additives that can make it more pleasant to drink.
Fiber is a crucial part of a person's diet. People can increase fiber by eating more high-fiber foods or including fiber supplements.
Keeping your bowels moving regularly can improve gut health and relieve symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diverticulosis.
Benefiber On The Go Prebiotic Fiber Powder For Digestive Health, Unflavored Powder Stick Packs
Manufacturers of fiber supplements, such as Benefiber and Metamucil, claim their products are heart-healthy. This is because of the benefits a high-fiber diet can have on a person's heart health.
Some weight loss products, programs, and health professionals recommend consuming fiber as a way to make your body feel fuller longer. This can reduce people's appetite and help them lose weight.
However, OTC fiber supplements such as Metamucil or Benefiber are not approved as weight loss products and will have no direct effect on weight loss.
The powdered version of both products mix well in cool or room temperature liquids, including smoothies, protein shakes, water, juice or milk.
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People who do not get much fiber in their diet should introduce these supplements slowly to avoid side effects. Gradually increase the number of servings from 1 to 3 per day while assessing how the body reacts to the product.
Some healthcare professionals will also recommend drinking more fluids with supplements, as they absorb a lot of water.
Metamucil is also available in capsule and wafer form. This makes taking the supplement more convenient as people can swallow the supplement with a large glass of water.
Increasing dietary fiber with Metamucil or Benefiber may cause certain side effects or risks, such as:
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Some people may experience gas or stomach cramps when taking these supplements, although the symptoms may go away as the body gets used to the supplement. If this happens, reduce the dose or drink extra water while taking the supplement.
People who are sensitive or allergic to psyllium should avoid Metamucil. People who are sensitive to gluten should avoid Benefiber. Anyone who experiences an allergic reaction while taking these products should stop taking them and call their doctor for testing before continuing.
People with certain stomach problems may need to avoid Benefiber and Metamucil. Anyone with stomach or digestive problems should talk to their doctor before taking any of these supplements.
Anyone experiencing constipation for more than 7 days should stop taking dietary fiber supplements, such as Benefiber or Metamucil, and see their doctor.
Metamucil Nutrition Information
Benefiber and Metamucil can negatively affect how the body absorbs certain medicines, making some medicines less effective.
Taking these supplements at least 2 hours before or after taking oral medication can help.
Benefiber and Metamucil are not the only brand-name constipation relief supplements on the market, and some people may find they like other brands better.
People can find many fiber supplements and other dietary supplements for constipation online or at drugstores.
What Is Metamucil?
Citrucel is a fiber supplement that contains methylcellulose, which comes from plant material. It is a non-allergenic form of soluble fiber that may not cause as much gas build-up as other products.
People who are sensitive to or experience side effects when taking other constipation supplements may find Citrucel a good alternative.
Miralax is not a fiber-based supplement. The active ingredient is polyethylene glycol, and water is absorbed in the stool to relieve constipation.
Because it is not a fiber supplement, Miralax does not offer the additional potential benefits that other brands do.
Metamucil Fiber, 4 In 1 Psyllium Fiber With Real Sugar
Benefiber and Metamucil are fiber supplements. People can also increase their daily fiber intake by including more fiber-rich foods in their diet.
Benefiber and Metamucil are soluble fiber supplements used to treat occasional constipation that may have other useful benefits in the body.
These accessories have slight differences, but they basically fulfill the same function. In most cases, choosing between them is a matter of personal preference.
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