Is Metamucil good for ulcerative colitis? (+3 benefits)

In this article, we will discuss whether Metamucil is good for ulcerative colitis. We will share the benefits of Metamucil for ulcerative colitis, evidence from research, and other relevant information. 

Is Metamucil good for ulcerative colitis? 

Yes, Metamucil is good for ulcerative colitis (UC) as it is a fiber supplement and dietary fibers are beneficial for gastrointestinal disorders (GI) like UC. UC is one of the types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colonic mucosa (1). 

Metamucil is a brand name for the fiber supplement that has the main ingredient called Psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant commonly known as ispaghula or psyllium plant. 

Metamucil is a dietary fiber commonly utilized to manage constipation as it acts as a laxative. The role of Metamucil in treating conditions like UC has been explored widely due to its therapeutic effects and ability to influence gut microbiota (1). 

The role of dietary fibers like Metamucil in helping UC is still not clear and sometimes it is recommended to avoid them when UC is actively causing inflammation and other symptoms (1). 

However, dietary changes are a useful approach to addressing the colon inflammation and to prevent disease relapse. Nutritional therapy with dietary fibers can also address the imbalance of gut microbiota which plays a role in UC. 

Metamucil for ulcerative colitis: What are the benefits? 

Metamucil has several benefits for UC. It can help improve the symptoms of UC, it can reduce inflammation of the colon, promote tissue healing, and indirectly support the gut microbiota (1). 

Symptomatic management: 

Metamucil has been found effective in the management of symptoms of UC both active and inactive states of the disease. It is a bulk-forming agent with anti-inflammatory properties.

In one study, Metamucil was beneficial in improving the following symptoms of UC in the inactive state of the disease (1): 

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• urgency
• bloating
• loose stools
• mucus
• constipation
• incomplete evacuation 

Production of SCFAs: 

When Metamucil is fermented by the gut bacteria, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced. Metamucil is associated with the production of butyrate a SCFA and it helps to maintain disease remission (1). 

Butyrate serves as an important energy source for the cells lining the colon called colonocytes. Thus, Metamucil promotes the growth, health, function, and differentiation of these cells which is helpful for UC (2). 

Butyrate produced via Metamucil intake also has the following benefits (1):

• regulation of the gut fluid transport through the epithelium
• reduce gut inflammation
• reduce oxidative stress 
• anti-inflammatory effects
• anti-carcinogenic effects
• immunomodulation in the GI tract to reduce disease activity

Supports gut microbiota: 

In UC the microbial composition of the gut is imbalanced which is known as gut dysbiosis. The healthy bacteria in the gut are reduced in UC while the harmful bacteria are increased leading to adverse outcomes (1).

Dietary fibers like Metamucil, support the growth of healthy bacteria and help to restore the balance of gut microbes. SCFAs produced by Metamucil nourish beneficial bacteria and create a favorable environment for their growth. 

The anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties of Metamucil promote gut health and are helpful in UC. 

What does research suggest?

Several studies have explored the effectiveness of the active ingredient in Metamucil in managing UC. In one study, the supplements were found effective in reducing the GI symptoms of patients with UC in remission (2). 

In another study, the ability of Plantago ovata seeds to sustain remission in individuals with UC was compared with mesalamine. Mesalamine is the first-line treatment of UC. Both therapies produced similar effectiveness in this study (3).

Animal studies on psyllium fiber have shown that it has anti-inflammatory properties in the colon and it can strengthen the colon barrier and prevent intestinal inflammatory diseases (4). 

How to take Metamucil for ulcerative colitis?

Whether to take Metamucil for UC or not is based on several factors, including disease severity, symptoms, and your response to dietary fibers. For some patients, dietary fibers can exacerbate the symptoms and are not recommended (1). 

Although Metamucil is available over the counter, you should not take Metamucil without the guidance of your healthcare provider if you have UC. It is important to remember that Metamucil cannot replace the pharmacological management. 

The pharmacological management of UC is done through the following medications (5): 

• aminosalicylates like mesalamine
• corticosteroids like prednisone
• immunomodulators like azathioprine

If your healthcare provider has approved the use of Metamucil for you, take it exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider. It can be taken with or without meals and you should mix it with the right amount of water to avoid choking. 

Read the label for more instructions and to check the expiration date before usage. If you experience any side effects while taking Metamucil, contact your healthcare provider. 

In my experience: 

As per my understanding, Metamucil is good for ulcerative colitis (UC), and its effectiveness for UC is well-established in the literature. It is a dietary fiber, which helps in the symptomatic management of UC during the inactive state. 

Metamucil also promotes gut health and healing of the colon due to its anti-inflammatory properties and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs have several benefits for UC and support the growth of healthy gut microbes. 

The use of Metamucil by patients of UC should be guided by the healthcare provider. Metamucil can help with the symptoms of UC and maintenance of remission. 

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