Metamucil vs Fiber-sure

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-04-2006
Metamucil vs Fiber-sure
5
Mon, 03-03-2008 - 6:24pm

I know that Metamucil is psyllium and Fiber-sure is inulin. My question is are they interchangeable? I am not really thrilled with the gritty feel of Metamucil, but will use it if there is a reason that it is better for me.

Any thoughts?

Randa

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Mon, 03-03-2008 - 8:13pm

Hi Miranda,


This information is from the South Beach nutritionist explaining the difference between psyllium and inulin:


Whole foods are always the 'best choice' on the South Beach Diet. The dietary recommendations for fiber intake are 20 - 35 grams per day. Good dietary sources of fiber on the SBD are vegetables, whole grain starches and cereals, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds. We recommend sources that are high in fiber so that you can easily achieve the daily recommended intake for it with food. A fiber supplement can be used to help you achieve that goal, or for the prevention of constipation, or if it has been prescribed by your health care provider to help decrease your cholesterol.


"Dietary fibers are the indigestible portion of plant foods that move food through the digestive system and absorb water. Chemically, dietary fiber consists of non-starch polysaccharides and several other plant components such as cellulose, lignin, waxes, chitins, pectins, beta-glucans, inulin and oligosaccharides.


One of the most versatile sources of dietary fiber is the husk (hull) of seeds from psyllium grain (Plantago ovata), a fiber source with clinically demonstrated properties of lowering blood cholesterol when chronically included in human diets. Psyllium seed husk is 34% insoluble fiber and 66% soluble fiber, providing an optimal division of both types that make it a valuable food additive."


Psyllium husk may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels, and is known to help alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, though it often causes uncomfortable bloating. The FDA allows foods containing 0.75 g of psyllium husk fiber or 1.7 g of oat fiber to claim that they may be able to reduce the risk of heart disease (J Am Diet Assoc 2002)."


Inulin, a type of carbohydrate classified as a dietary fiber, is found in most commonly found in chicory root and other sources such as artichokes, asparagus, onions, garlic, raisins and bananas and is used as an additive in food products to increase the fiber content. The claims I have read for it describe that it works primarily in the intestines to increase good digestive bacteria. The few studies that I reviewed on it state that more studies need to done to determine its long term effects on health.


When eating a varied diet you can then be sure that you are probably getting adequate sources of dietary fiber. The important point to remember is that the two types of fiber have different capabilities. Hope that this helps.



Deborah/SBD Registered Dietitian

Photobucket

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-04-2006
Tue, 03-04-2008 - 8:12am

Thanks for posting that Cathy. It does give some great information on fiber, but I am still a little confused. In the book it suggests taking Metamucil before meals to help with fullness. I was really thinking about this use. I don't think I am failing to get enough fiber, what with all the veggies and whole grains I am eating! I just wondered if the inulin would do the same thing as the Metamucil before meals.

Thanks again

Randa

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Tue, 03-04-2008 - 8:45am
I don't know if inulin has the same effect as psyllium when taken
Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-19-2002
Wed, 03-05-2008 - 6:52am

Randa,


Benefiber has a new formulation that is clear, tasteless, odorless, dissolves completely,

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Wed, 03-05-2008 - 7:01am
I've tried the Benefiber and it's true.
Photobucket