Citrucel vs Metamucil: Which Fiber Supplement is Right For You?

Key Takeaways

Citrucel and Metamucil are both over-the-counter bulk-forming laxatives that treat constipation by adding bulk to stool. They can even help lower cholesterol, which can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease in the long run.
Citrucel works by adding bulkiness to stool, making it easier to pass. Metamucil dissolves in the gut and forms a coating in the intestines to help stool retain fluid, making it softer and easier to pass.
There is no evidence that one is better than the other at relieving constipation. The deciding factor between the two is typically factors such as taste, texture, and side effects.

Constipation is a common condition that affects 16% of American adults. Eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water are the best ways to prevent constipation and maintain good digestive health.

The Institute of Medicine recommends approximately 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. Yet, the average intake of fiber in American adults is only 17 grams per day. When dietary fiber intake is not sufficient, taking fiber supplements (bulk-forming laxatives) can help relieve constipation and provide additional health benefits.

Please continue reading to find out the key differences between two common types of over-the-counter fiber therapy: Citrucel and Metamucil.

What are the key differences between Citrucel vs Metamucil?

Citrucel and Metamucil are both over-the-counter fiber supplements that can help regulate your bowel movements and maintain a healthy digestive system.

Fiber intake also has additional health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol levels and reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Increased fiber consumption has also been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Both are bulk-forming laxatives that treat constipation by adding bulk to stool. But there are some differences between them.

Active ingredient

The active ingredient in Citrucel is methylcellulose fiber. The active ingredient in Metamucil is psyllium fiber.

Type of fiber product

Citrucel contains insoluble fiber. Metamucil contains mainly soluble fiber.

Mechanism of action

Citrucel contains methylcellulose fiber (non-fermentable insoluble fiber) that passes through the gut intact. Therefore, Citrucel works by adding bulkiness to stool, making it easier to pass.

Metamucil contains psyllium fiber (fermentable soluble fiber) as the active chemical compound. It dissolves in the gut and forms a gel-like coating in the intestines. It also helps stool retain fluid through the absorption of water, making it softer and easier to pass.

Age range

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) approved both Citrucel and Metamucil to treat occasional constipation in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

These products are classified as dietary supplements and are available without a prescription. Check with a healthcare professional before giving a dietary supplement (Citrucel or Metamucil) to a child below 6 years of age.

Read the product label carefully for the correct dose in children ages 6-11 years.

Dosage forms

Citrucel is available as an oral tablet and in powder form to dissolve in water or other liquid. Metamucil comes in various forms, including capsules, powders, gummies, and fiber thins (snacks).

Dose

The usual dose of Citrucel in adults and children 12 years of age and older is 2 caplets. This dose can be repeated up to 6 times a day with a maximum of 12 caplets in 24 hours.

The usual dose of Metamucil powder is one packet added to 8 oz of water. This can be taken up to 3 times a day.

Read the package instructions carefully for the correct dosage in children between 6 and 11 years of age.

Onset of action

Taking Metamucil and Citrucel usually produces a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.

Which is the better fiber: Citrucel or Metamucil?

There are no peer-reviewed studies that have directly compared the effectiveness of Citrucel vs Metamucil in relieving constipation. The two fiber products work in a similar manner and can effectively treat occasional constipation in people whose diet does not contain enough fiber-rich food.

Gel-forming fibers such as psyllium (Metamucil) are more effective in lowering cholesterol compared to non-gel-forming fibers like methylcellulose (Citrucel).

Additional factors that your healthcare provider might consider while recommending Citrucel vs Metamucil are your medical conditions and symptoms, your other medications, allergic reactions to active or inactive ingredients in fiber products, potential side effects, and drug interactions. Learn about the side effects of Metamucil.

Factors such as taste, texture, and side effects are what typically determine the choice between one fiber supplement and another for treating constipation.

For example, one person might prefer to take Citrucel tablets because they dislike the texture of dissolved psyllium fiber, while another person may enjoy the orange flavor of the powder.

You may choose Citrucel rather than Metamucil because the latter causes excess gas and bloating. Or you may pick a sugar-free fiber product if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Is Citrucel a laxative or fiber supplement?

Citrucel is a fiber supplement and a bulk-forming laxative. Citrucel’s fiber content helps to relieve occasional constipation by adding bulk (fiber) and water to stool, making it softer and easier to pass.

Similarly, Metamucil is also a fiber supplement and bulk-forming laxative, but it contains a different type of fiber.

Is Metamucil soluble fiber or insoluble fiber?

Metamucil’s active ingredient is psyllium husk fiber, which is mainly soluble fiber. The fiber source in Citrucel powder and tablets is methylcellulose fiber, which is a type of insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber is fermentable fiber, and it dissolves in the gut. Insoluble fibers move through the digestive tract largely intact and are less likely to cause excess gas and bloating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to take Citrucel everyday?

Taking Citrucel and Metamucil every day appears to be safe. Fiber not only helps regulate bowel movements in people who experience constipation but also helps lower cholesterol and reduce overeating by increasing fullness.

Always check with your doctor before using Citrucel daily. Consult your doctor, especially if constipation persists or worsens over time.

Who should not take Citrucel?

Most people can take Citrucel and Metamucil for occasional constipation. However, laxative products should not be used for more than one week unless you’ve checked with your physician.

If you find that you need to use a fiber product such as Citrucel or Metamucil for more than 7 days, call your doctor. There may be a more serious reason for your constipation that needs medical attention.

This product should not be used by people with acute intestinal obstruction.

If your physician rules out serious problems, they may advise you to use a fiber product on a daily basis. Also, call your healthcare professional without delay if you develop the following symptoms:

Rectal bleeding
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
A sudden change in bowel habits that lasts 2 weeks or longer
No bowel movement after taking fiber supplements

Note: Always take fiber supplements in powder form with enough fluid as directed on the package label. The powder can swell and cause a blockage in your food pipe or lead to choking. Check with your doctor before taking fiber supplements if you have problems with swallowing. Seek immediate medical care if you develop chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing after taking Citrucel or Metamucil.

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