Psyllium

Psyllium fiber, derived from several species of the Plantago genus, is usually taken in its powdered husk form. It is best known for constipation relief but may hold other benefits for digestive and metabolic health.

Quick Answer

What it is

Psyllium fiber, derived from several species of the Plantago genus, is usually taken in its powdered husk form. It is best known for constipation relief but may hold other benefits for digestive and metabolic health.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Fecal Weight (Digestive Health)
  • Grade B: Blood glucose (Metabolic Health)
  • Grade B: Appetite (Weight Loss & Maintenance)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Psyllium

Quick Facts: Psyllium

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:12
  • Research Outcomes:68
  • Grade A Findings:2
  • Grade B Findings:4
  • Key Effect:Digestive Health
Outcomes by grade:
A2
B4
C4
D3
12 conditions Β· 68 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
A
Fecal Weight
Large Increase
large↓Improves
?
Intestinal Motility
1 study
↑Improves
?
Lipid Absorption
1 study
↑Improves
A
Fecal Weight
Large Increase
large↓Improves
?
Flatulence
↓Worsens
?
Intestinal Motility
1 study
↑Improves
?
Lipid Absorption
1 study
↑Improves
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
Insulin
9 studies
↑Worsens
?
Insulin Resistance
8 studies
↓Improves
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Insulin
3 studies
↑Worsens
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
3 studies
↓Improves
?
Carbohydrate Absorption
1 study
↑Improves
?
Fructosamine
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Insulin Resistance
1 study
↓Improves
?
Uric Acid
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
B
Appetite
Small Decrease
small↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Food Intake
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Gastric Emptying Rate
1 study
↓Worsens
?
Waist circumference
1 study
↓Improves
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
C
Carbohydrate Absorption
Small Decrease
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
3 studies
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
HbA1c
↓Improves
?
Insulin
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Uric Acid
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Constipation Signs and Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
?
Fecal Weight
↓Improves
?
Stool Consistency
1 study
↑Improves
C
Blood Flow
Small Increase
small↑Improves
?
Blood Pressure
↓Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
D
Blood Pressure
No effect
none
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Insulin
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
D
Thermic effect of food (TEF)
No effect
none
?
Weight
↓Improves
D
Blood Pressure
No effect
none
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Insulin
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Thermic effect of food (TEF)
↑Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
?
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Diarrhea Symptoms
↓Improves

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