Should You Take Metamucil Before Or After Meals?
Our pharmacist answers the latest question regarding whether or not your should take Metamucil before or after a meal.
Question
Should Metamucil be taken before or after meals?
Answered by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist
Staff
Last updated Dec 03, 2024
Key points
- Metamucil can safely be taken at any point during the day.
- However, taking Metamucil before a meal can help the feeling of fullness and lead to less food consumption.
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The directions for Metamucil (Psyllium) fiber don't indicate a preference for dosing before or after meals. People can feel free to take it either way. Per Metamucil.com:
Is There A Best Time?
Having said the above, consuming any type of fiber tends to have an effect on the feeling of satiety (fullness) for people taking it.
Multiple studies have shown that dosing fiber BEFORE a meal can significantly reduce the amount of food one consumes during their next meal.
In addition, fiber can slow the digestion of food, reducing blood glucose levels and cholesterol as well.
Due to these reasons, I usually do recommend taking fiber supplements before meals as you may get more of a health benefit out of it.
Final Words
It is important to note that Metamucil can affect some drugs.
It should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after other oral medications. It's also recommended to take the fiber with at least 8 ounces of fluid and to drink another glass of water after consumption of the dose.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
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