Although lead is inherent in Psyllium through the natural growth process and our supplement only contains a minuscule amount—0.5mcg— it is still required of us to put the prop 65 reproductive harm warning on the label in California.
Consumer Lab recently put 8 different psyllium products to the test to analyze the quality of the products. Well-known brands like Metamucil, Rite Aid, and Target's Up & Up formula were among those tested. The reality of it all? Every single product had trace amounts of lead in it.
If a psyllium husk brand contains levels of a heavy metal toxin (like lead or arsenic) above Prop 65 limits, the brand is required to publish a cancer warning on its physical product label. However, it's important to make a few distinctions to contextualize this information.
Lead Contamination Issues. Metamucil 4-in-1 Fiber powder Orange flavor was found to contain relatively high levels of lead in testing conducted by an independent third-party organization called ConsumerLab. ConsumerLab found up to 14.6 micrograms (mcg) of lead per serving of this product.
People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take psyllium. A potential side effect from any fiber product is gas and bloating. People with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking psyllium.
Unlike the other laxatives, psyllium is safe and gentle enough to use every day.
Taking fiber supplements every day seems to be safe. Popular fiber supplements include inulin, psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) and methylcellulose (Citrucel). Fiber is good for the body. It helps the bowel work well and prevents constipation.
Why am I being warned about potential exposure to lead and lead compounds? Lead is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Exposure to lead during pregnancy can affect brain development and cause learning and behavior problems for the child.
What is the best alternative to psyllium husk powder? Xanthan gum, guar gum, chia seeds, flax seeds, eggs, and gelatin are all great options. They have different substitution ratios, so keep that in mind when using a substitute in your baking.
Psyllium usually produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Do not take psyllium for longer than 7 days in a row without a doctor's advice. Using a laxative too often or for too long may cause severe medical problems with your intestines. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
The concern is so important that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that psyllium be labeled: "WARNING: Taking this product without adequate fluid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty in swallowing.
Using psyllium husk
When you take your evening dose you'll need to make sure you wait an hour before you go to bed – if you go to sleep too soon, this can cause a blockage in the gut. An easy habit to get into is to have Fybogel after you've eaten breakfast, and after you've eaten dinner.
No, to clarify the differences in the psyllium husk vs Metamucil debate, taking psyllium husk is not the same as taking Metamucil. Metamucil is a brand name for a fiber supplement that contains psyllium husk as its main ingredient, as well as other ingredients such as sugar, artificial colors, and flavors.
A: Metamucil Capsules, Powders, and Meta Fiber Thins all contain psyllium husk. Please refer to their product detail pages for the details and benefits each product provides.
Many doctors recommend taking 7.5 grams of psyllium seeds or 5 grams of psyllium husks, mixed with water or juice, one to two times per day.
Psyllium husk and psyllium husk powder are the same product. The only difference is that one has been run through a grinder of some sort to turn it into a powder! Psyllium husk powder is finer, so it has more surface area to help absorb water. You generally need less of it than whole psyllium husk.
Psyllium is found in whole husk or powder form. Psyllium powder is made from grinding down psyllium husks into fine dust. This powder instantly dissolves in liquid, reducing the fiber's benefits, while the whole husk absorbs water and expands up to 10x, providing more of the fiber's benefit.
Psyllium husk is a bulking fiber, which means once ingested it expands and forms a gelatin-like mass in the colon by drawing water in. Once this occurs the husks are able to "scrub" the intestines clean and transport waste through the intestinal tract.
Are products labeled with a Prop 65 warning dangerous? Not necessarily. When used as directed, chemical exposure is minimal. (4) Chemical exposure does not necessarily mean a particular product will cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive damage.
For reducing blood lead levels, vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamine (B1), folate (B9) and iron have the strongest and most consistent blood lead links.
The best way to protect yourself from getting too much of a toxic heavy metal is to purchase supplements, performance protein powders and other products that have been evaluated to confirm that the ingredients listed are what is actually in the package or bottle and that they do not contain heavy metals at unsafe ...
Common side effects include abdominal cramps, bloating, and changes in stool consistency.
Most people are able to tolerate psyllium well. Doses of 5–10 g three times per day do not appear to have serious side effects. However, people may notice some cramping, gas, or bloating ( 15 , 17).
When compared to psyllium husk, flaxseed had a better mix of soluble and insoluble fiber. Flaxseed contains more insoluble fiber, whereas psyllium husk contains more soluble fiber. This is why psyllium husk is often used as a laxative because it transforms into a gel-like substance quicker than flaxseed.