{"id":10928,"date":"2020-05-14T08:53:26","date_gmt":"2020-05-14T12:53:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=10928"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:49:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:49:21","slug":"benefiber-vs-metamucil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/benefiber-vs-metamucil\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefiber vs. Metamucil: Which fiber supplement is better?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fiber is a key component of a healthy diet. Fiber helps with bowel regularity and colon health. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and holds water, making stools easier to pass. Healthy fiber intake has other potential benefits, such as lower incidence of heart disease, better control of blood sugar, and healthy weight maintenance. If your diet does not contain enough fiber, you may need to take a fiber supplement such as Benefiber or Metamucil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Benefiber and Metamucil?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Benefiber<\/span><\/a> is an over-the-counter (OTC) soluble fiber supplement. The active ingredient in Benefiber is wheat dextrin. Benefiber absorbs water in the intestinal tract. This stimulates peristalsis, the repetitive contraction and relaxation of the intestinal muscle. While this process ultimately moves intestinal contents, it slows the transit time through the intestine. Benefiber is available as a powder and in oral or chewable tablets and gummies. There are sugar-free and gluten-free formulations available as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metamucil<\/span><\/a> is an OTC soluble fiber made from psyllium husks, which come from the seeds of an Indian herb known as Plantago ovata. Metamucil works in the same manner as Benefiber, stimulating peristalsis and slowing intestinal transit. It is available as a powder, capsules, wafers, and gummies. Some formulations are also sugar-free and gluten-free.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Differences between Benefiber and Metamucil<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Info<\/strong><\/td>\nBenefiber<\/b><\/td>\nMetamucil<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/span><\/td>\nFiber supplement<\/span><\/td>\nFiber supplement<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/span><\/td>\nWheat dextrin<\/span><\/td>\nPsyllium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nBulk powder and powder packets, chewable tablets, gummies, and combination products of fiber with prebiotics and probiotics<\/span><\/td>\nBulk powder and powder packets, oral capsules, gummies, fiber thins (wafers), and combination products of fiber with prebiotics and probiotics<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/span><\/td>\nPowder form (adult dose): 2 teaspoonfuls up to 3 times daily in 4 to 8 oz of a beverage or soft food; Check label as different forms have different instructions<\/span><\/td>\nPowder form (adult dose): 1-2 rounded teaspoonfuls of powder up to 3 times daily in 8 oz glass of water or clear liquid; Check label as different forms have different instructions<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nA few days to indefinite use\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nA few days to indefinite use<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\nChildren and adults<\/span><\/td>\nChildren and adults<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Benefiber and Metamucil<\/span><\/h2>\n

Benefiber uses:<\/span><\/p>\n