Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Biothin Metabolic Unflavored Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Mercola

Powder Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Biothin Metabolic Unflavored is a dietary supplement by Dr. Mercola with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol.Based on those ingredients, 2,083 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dietary Fiber, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-67989. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Biothin Metabolic Unflavored by Dr. Mercola

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Biothin Metabolic Unflavored contains three active ingredients. Bacillus subtilis is a probiotic strain — a beneficial live bacterium — added to support digestive health.

The other two actives are Sunfiber and Bifidobacterium animalis lactis, both probiotics as well. The powder also contains rice husk as an inactive ingredient.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestive health and microbiome balance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Clostridioides difficile infection, Constipation, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Flatulence — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Black Psyllium is rated "Effective" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bacillus Subtilis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
  • Also on file: Black Psyllium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diarrhea.

The evidence on these ingredients is mixed and limited. Bacillus subtilis is rated possibly effective for antibiotic-associated diarrhea — the kind that can happen when antibiotics disrupt your normal gut bacteria.

For other uses listed — athletic performance, cirrhosis, constipation, eczema, and diabetes — the evidence isn't established enough to rate it. We hold no effectiveness data for Sunfiber or Bifidobacterium animalis lactis in our monographs.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Psyllium Bacillus Subtilis

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bacillus subtilis is generally well tolerated in healthy adults, though quality and safety can vary by product and strain. The safety data overall is limited.

In clinical trials, one case of headache was reported, and diarrhea has been reported rarely. There are also documented cases — though uncommon — of serious infection (bacteremia and meningitis) linked to frequent consumption of a related strain in fermented soy; these occurred in people with serious underlying conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, or a weakened immune system.

Given the limited safety information, it's best to check with your doctor before use, especially if you have any chronic illness or take immunosuppressive medications.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Psyllium Bacillus Subtilis

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Black Psyllium, Bacillus Subtilis.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 2,084 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist before starting if you take antibiotic drugs. Since Bacillus subtilis is a live organism, antibiotics can kill it off and reduce how well it works — you'll need to time them carefully apart.

We couldn't check the other two active ingredients for interactions, so run your full medication list through the tool on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may help if you're dealing with antibiotic-related diarrhea, but the evidence for other uses is thin. If you take antibiotics regularly or have any serious health conditions or immune issues, talk to your pharmacist or doctor first.

Make sure to space out any antibiotics and this supplement by several hours.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 25, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Biothin Metabolic Unflavored, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Mercola
Barcode (UPC) 810094213121
Net contents 5.9 Ounce(s); 168 Gram(s); 30 On-The-Go Packet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2025
DSLD ID 327149
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Biothin Metabolic Unflavored by Dr. Mercola, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
5.6 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
5.6 Gram(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
810094213121
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories10 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates5 Gram(s)2%
Total Sugars0 Gram(s)--
Dietary Fiber4 Gram(s)14%
Sunfiber5 Gram(s)--
Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-6798950 mg--
Bifidobacterium animalis lactis CECT814534 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Husk

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Pre + Post + Probiotics 5 Billion CFU 4 g dietary fiber per serving

Discover the ultimate in gut health with our convenient 3-in-1 powder packets that feature a unique blend of organic Sunfiber guar fiber prebiotic, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis postbiotic and Bacillus subtilis probiotic for enhanced metabolism, healthy gut microbiome and immune support.

Organic Sunfiber guar fiber prebiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis postbiotic Bacillus subtilis probiotic

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Powdered Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Adults, as a dietary supplement, mix one (1) packet (5.6 g) with 8 fl. oz. of water or beverage of choice.

Simply mix this unflavored powder into at least 8 fl. oz. or more of your favorite beverage, and enjoy the endless metabolic benefits of this powerful biotic trio.

Formulation

Certified organic by: Quality Assurance International

Soy free GMO free Gluten free

3-in-1 support for metabolic health

Organic Sunfiber guar fiber prebiotic

Metabolic health Digestive support Immune support

General Statements

Providing quality products since 2001.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if packet is torn or damaged.

If you are nursing, pregnant, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before taking this product.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Sunfiber is a registered trademark of Taiyo International, Inc.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Biothin Metabolic Unflavored by Dr. Mercola label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Biothin Metabolic Unflavored by Dr. Mercola

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size5.6 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Dietary Fiber

Interacts with
2,025 drugs
4 Gram(s) per serving

Black psyllium is a soluble-fiber supplement made from the seeds of a Plantago plant, used mostly to ease constipation and support digestive health. I...

Dietary Fiber monograph & interactions

Sunfiber

5 Gram(s) per serving Form: Guar Fiber

Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-67989

Interacts with
182 drugs
50 mg per serving

Bacillus subtilis is a spore-forming probiotic bacterium found in soil and some fermented foods, and it is used mainly to support gut health and diges...

Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-67989 monograph & interactions

Bifidobacterium animalis lactis CECT8145

34 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Husk. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Biothin Metabolic Unflavored by Dr. Mercola Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Biothin Metabolic Unflavored?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
2,083Drugs
205 Moderate 1,878 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Biothin Metabolic Unflavored with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Dietary Fiber7 drug types · 2,025 drugs

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black psyllium might reduce the effects of carbamazepine and increase the risk for convulsions.
Theoretically, black psyllium might reduce carbamazepine absorption. A preliminary study using blond psyllium reported decreased carbamazepine bioavailability due to binding of the drug to psyllium, as well as reduction of available fluid in the gut for dissolution of the drug. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as lithium might reduce lithium absorption.
The fiber in black psyllium might reduce lithium absorption and plasma levels. Some case reports describe a reduction in plasma lithium levels with concomitant administration of blond psyllium. This was reversed when psyllium was stopped. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Animal research shows that concurrent consumption of blond psyllium with metformin slows and increases the absorption of metformin. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as olanzapine might reduce olanzapine absorption.
The fiber in black psyllium might decrease the absorption of olanzapine. A single case report describes a reduction in the effectiveness of olanzapine when it was concomitantly administered with an unspecified type of psyllium 3 grams orally twice daily. This effect was reversed when psyllium was stopped.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as digoxin might reduce digoxin absorption and decrease digoxin levels.
Psyllium might bind digoxin in the gut. However, some clinical evidence suggests that psyllium does not impact digoxin absorption.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Ethinyl Estradiol

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as ethinyl estradiol might alter levels of estradiol.
Concurrent use of blond psyllium with ethinyl estradiol results in a slight increase in the extent of ethinyl estradiol absorption and a slower rate of absorption. This is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Oral Drugs

Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Psyllium seems to have variable effects on drug absorption. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after oral medications. Animal research shows that blond psyllium delays and increases the absorption of metformin and ethinyl estradiol. Case reports and animal research suggest that blond psyllium might reduce absorption of lithium, digoxin, olanzapine, and carbamazepine. Finally, some pharmacokinetic studies show that psyllium does not affect the absorption of levothyroxine or warfarin. Although many of these studies evaluated blond psyllium, the fiber content in black psyllium may have similar effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-679891 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bacillus subtilis with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. subtilis.
Since B. subtilis preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. subtilis preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Biothin Metabolic Unflavored, from the product label.

Dr. Mercola

See all Dr. Mercola products
Name
NHP
Street Address
125 SW 3rd Place
City
Cape Coral
State
FL
ZipCode
33991
Phone Number
(877) 985-2696
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Biothin Metabolic Unflavored by Dr. Mercola: Common Questions

Does Biothin Metabolic Unflavored by Dr. Mercola interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Biothin Metabolic Unflavored has a known interaction with 2,083 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Biothin Metabolic Unflavored contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this with antibiotics?
Not at the same time. Antibiotics can kill the live Bacillus subtilis bacteria in this product, making it less effective. You'll need to space them out — ask your pharmacist exactly how many hours apart. This is a Moderate interaction, not a dangerous one, just a timing issue.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
We don't have enough safety data to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it during pregnancy or while nursing — they can help you decide if it's right for your situation.
What is Bacillus subtilis used for?
It's a probiotic — a beneficial live bacterium meant to support your gut health. It's possibly effective for diarrhea that comes from taking antibiotics. For other uses like constipation or athletic performance, the evidence isn't strong enough to rate.
Are there any side effects?
It's generally well tolerated, but a headache was reported in one trial and diarrhea has been reported rarely. If you have a serious underlying illness or a weakened immune system, there are rare reports of infection tied to related strains, so definitely check with your doctor first.
Why can't you check two of the ingredients for interactions?
We don't hold monographs or interaction data for Sunfiber and Bifidobacterium animalis lactis yet. That doesn't mean they're safe with all drugs — just that we haven't reviewed them. Your pharmacist can help you search for any interactions with your specific medications.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Biothin Metabolic Unflavored is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Biothin Metabolic Unflavored label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Biothin Metabolic Unflavored's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 28 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Black Psyllium 18 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  4. Etman M. Effect of a bulk forming laxative on the bioavailablility of carbamazepine in man. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 1995;21:1901-6.
  5. Perlman BB. Interaction between lithium salts and ispaghula husk. Lancet 1990;335:416.
  6. Vaswani SK, Hamilton RG, Valentine MD, Adkinson NF. Psyllium laxative-induced anaphylaxis, asthma, and rhinitis. Allergy 1996;51:266-8. PubMed
  7. Lantner RR, Espiritu BR, Zumerchik P, Tobin MC. Anaphylaxis following ingestion of a psyllium-containing cereal. JAMA 1990;264:2534-6. DOI
  8. Kaplan MJ. Anaphylactic reaction to "Heartwise." N Engl J Med 1990;323:1072-3. DOI
  9. Nordstrom M, Melander A, Robertsson E, Steen B. Influence of wheat bran and of a bulk-forming ispaghula cathartic on the bioavailability of digoxin in geriatric in-patients. Drug Nutr Interact 1987;5:67-9..
  10. Robinson DS, Benjamin DM, McCormack JJ. Interaction of warfarin and nonsystemic gastrointestinal drugs. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1971;12:491-5. PubMed
  11. Garcia JJ, Fernandez N, Diez MJ, et al. Influence of two dietary fibers in the oral bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of ethinyloestradiol. Contraception 2000;62:253-7. PubMed
  12. Fernandez N, Lopez C, Díez R, et al. Drug interactions with the dietary fiber Plantago ovata husk. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2012;8(11):1377-86.
  13. Semen plantaginis in: WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, volume 1. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1999. Available at http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js2200e/. Accessed November 26, 1026.
  14. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 (21CFR 101.17). Food labeling warning, notice, and safe handling statements. Available at www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=20f647d3b74161501f46564b915b4048&mc=true&node=se21.2.101_117&rgn=div8. Accessed December 3, 2
  15. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 (21CFR 201.319). Specific labeling requirements - water-soluble gums, hydrophilic gums, and hydrophilic mucilloids. Available at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=201.319. Accessed Dece
  16. Diez R, Garcia JJ, Diez MJ, Sierra M, Sahagun AM, Fernandez N. Influence of Plantago ovata husk (dietary fiber) on the bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of metformin in diabetic rabbits. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Jun 7;17(1):298. PubMed
  17. Chiu AC, Sherman SI. Effects of pharmacological fiber supplements on levothyroxine absorption. Thyroid. 1998;8(8):667-71. PubMed
  18. Merrick C, Madden CA, Capurso NA. A Case of Blunted Orally Disintegrating Olanzapine Effect Due to Coadministered Psyllium. J Clin Psychiatry 2021;82(2):20cr13633. PubMed

See these in context on the Black Psyllium monograph →

Bacillus Subtilis 10 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Lampropoulos PK, Gkentzi D, Tzifas S, Dimitriou G. Neonatal sepsis due to Bacillus subtilis. Cureus 2021;13(9):e17692. PubMed
  3. La Jeon Y, Yang JJ, Kim MJ, et al. Combined Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis infection in a patient with oesophageal perforation. J Med Microbiol 2012;61(Pt 12):1766-1769. PubMed
  4. Wallet F, Crunelle V, Roussel-Delvallez M, Fruchart A, Saunier P, Courcol RJ. Bacillus subtilis as a cause of cholangitis in polycystic kidney and liver disease. Am J Gastroenterol 1996;91(7):1477-8.
  5. Velasco E, Martins CA, Tabak D, Bouzas LF. "Bacillus subtilis" infection in a patient submitted to a bone marrow transplantation. Rev Paul Med 1992;110(3):116-7.
  6. Kato A, Yoshifuji A, Komori K, et al. A case of Bacillus subtilis var. natto bacteremia caused by ingestion of natto during COVID-19 treatment in a maintenance hemodialysis patient with multiple myeloma. J Infect Chemother 2022;28(8):1212-1215. PubMed
  7. Freedman KE, Hill JL, Wei Y, et al. Examining the gastrointestinal and immunomodulatory effects of the novel probiotic Bacillus subtilis DE111. Int J Mol Sci 2021;22(5):2453. PubMed
  8. Lefevre M, Racedo SM, Denayrolles M, et al. Safety assessment of Bacillus subtilis CU1 for use as a probiotic in humans. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2017;83:54-65. PubMed
  9. Hanifi A, Culpepper T, Mai V, et al. Evaluation of Bacillus subtilis R0179 on gastrointestinal viability and general wellness: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults. Benef Microbes 2015;6(1):19-27. PubMed
  10. Tokano M, Tarumoto N, Imai K, et al. A case of bacterial meningitis caused by Bacillus subtilis var. natto. Intern Med. 2022. Epub ahead of print.

See these in context on the Bacillus Subtilis monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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