Should You Take Metamucil Before Or After Meals?
Our pharmacist answers the latest question regarding whether or not you should take Metamucil before or after a meal.
Should Metamucil be taken before or after meals?
May 06, 2022- Metamucil can be taken before or after meals since the directions don't specify a preference, but taking it before meals may help you feel fuller and reduce how much you eat. Metamucil should be taken at least 2 hours before or after other oral medications, and you should drink at least 8 ounces of fluid with it plus another glass of water afterward.
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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.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Psyllium
- A natural plant-based fiber derived from psyllium seeds commonly used in fiber supplements like Metamucil.
- Satiety
- The feeling of fullness that occurs after eating.
- Blood glucose
- The amount of sugar present in your bloodstream.
- Cholesterol
- A fatty substance found in your body that can build up in arteries and affect heart health.
- Digestion
- The process by which your body breaks down food into nutrients it can absorb and use.
- Oral medications
- Medicines that are taken by mouth in the form of pills, capsules, or liquids.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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