Contents of Metamucil

The main ingredient in Metamucil, owned by Procter & Gamble, is psyllium husks 1. Psyllium fiber comes from the seed of the husk of plantago ovata, also called plantago isphagula, and is mainly present in bulk laxatives but now is also used as a non-systemic cholesterol-lowering agent. Fiber in general, including that found in Metamucil, can relieve constipation by increasing the stool weight and decreasing the gut transit time 1. Moreover, 75 percent of psyllium fiber is soluble and an intake of at least three grams of soluble fiber a day benefits your heart health by leading to small reductions of total and LDL cholesterol—the "bad" type—according to the American Dietetic Association.

Metamucil Fiber Powdered Drink Mixes

Metamucil fiber powdered drink mixes come in a smooth texture—original and orange flavor—as well as in a coarse-milled texture, also in original and orange flavors 1. Each rounded tablespoon contains approximately 3.4 grams (g) of psyllium husk, which provides 3 g of dietary fiber, of which 2 g are soluble. It also contains 0.6 to 0.8 mg of iron and traces of sodium and potassium.

The smooth texture version contains 45 calories, 12 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of sugars per rounded tablespoon. The coarse-milled version contains the same amount of fiber, 25 to 40 calories, 7 to 11 g of carbohydrates, 3 to 7 g of sugars and 0.4 mg of iron per serving. This product can also be found in single packets: orange smooth texture and orange smooth texture sugar-free. The singles contain the same amount of psyllium and the same ingredients, except for the sugar-free form, which is sweetened with aspartame and, therefore, contains no sugar. These products should be taken with at least eight ounces of water to avoid obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.

Metamucil Fiber Sugar-Free Powdered Drink Mixes

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Metamucil sugar-free powdered drink mixes are available in three flavors: orange, pink lemonade and berry burst 1. Each rounded tablespoon contains approximately 3.4 g of psyllium husk, which provides 3 g of dietary fiber, of which 2 g are soluble. It also contains 0.5 to 0.8 mg of iron and traces of sodium and potassium. The sugar-free version contains 20 calories, 5 g of carbohydrates and no sugar because it is sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame-potassium. The powder should be mixed with at least eight ounces of liquids. People with diabetes should closely monitor their blood sugar levels because psyllium may have a lowering effect on the glycemic levels.

Metamucil Fiber Capsules

Metamucil offers two types of fiber capsules 1. Heart and digestive health capsules contain 2 g of soluble fiber and 3 g of total fiber per serving of 6 capsules, and 10 calories and 3 g of carbohydrates. Five capsules of the strong bones capsules also contain 3 g of dietary fiber, including 2 g of soluble fiber, 10 calories, 3 g of carbohydrates and 300 mg of calcium. Both capsules are made of psyllium husk, gelatin and colorants. The strong bones capsules also contain calcium carbonate, crospovidone and titanium dioxide. Psyllium capsules should be taken with at least eight ounces of water to avoid choking.

Metamucil Fiber Wafers

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Metamucil fiber wafers are available in two flavors: apple or cinnamon 1. A serving of two wafers contains 3.4 g of psyllium husk, 6 g of total fiber and 3 g of soluble fiber in addition to containing 120 calories, 5 g of fat, 1 g of saturated fat, 17 g of carbohydrates, 6 g of sugar, 1 g of protein, 1.2 mg of iron and trace amounts of sodium and potassium. Both types of wafers are made of similar ingredients: wheat flour, corn oil, sucrose, psyllium husk, fructose, oat hull fiber, corn starch, soy lecithin, cinnamon, natural and artificial flavors, molasses, sodium bicarbonate and ascorbic acid. In addition to these ingredients, the apple wafers also contain brown sugar and the cinnamon wafers have whole oats. At least eight ounces of water should be consumed at the same time to reduce the risk of choking.