Metamucil is a bulk-producing laxative and fiber supplement manufactured by Procter & Gamble. The Metamucil brand has existed since 1934, and was owned by G.D. Searle & Company until 1985 when P&G acquired the brand. The active ingredient is psyllium seed husks. It is often used to treat constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. It may also reduce cholesterol when taken daily.[1] Metamucil is sold in powdered drink mixes, capsules, and wafers. Metamucil is available in several flavors, including Orange, Berry, and Pink Lemonade. A sugar-free version is also available.
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Health Benefits
In the United States, fiber supplements such as Metamucil are essential contributors to improving the diets of individuals by providing the fiber to their diet that is not being provided by their food sources. The soluble fiber in psyllium husk, as in Metamucil products, may help reduce the risk of heart disease.[2] When used as a dietary fiber supplement and as part of a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat, the seven grams per day of fiber from psyllium in Metamucil can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels. [3] Metamucil, when used as a laxative can also regulate the digestive system by relieving constipation and increasing regularity. [4]
Consequences
Although there are no specific consequences from consuming Metamucil, there are some negative effects from an inadequate intake of dietary fiber. Since Metamucil is popularly used as a source of dietary fiber, the intake of dietary fiber could hinder to absorption of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.[5] Dietary fiber helps the gastrointestinal tract absorb excess water and remove food wastes, but an inadequately high intake of dietary fiber will also negatively affect the absorption process in the intestinal track.Taking a fiber supplement can decrease the absorption of minerals by slowing the transit time, lowering the concentration of minerals by accumulating more fecal matter, and can also cause the minerals to become trapped in the feces, which would leave the body. This negative effect would be a consequence to individuals who are barely reaching recommended nutrient intakes or to those suffering in mineral intake. [6]
Popular culture
- Gregg "Opie" Hughes and Jim Norton from the Opie and Anthony show on XM Satellite Radio - Channel 202 "The Virus" frequently use Metamucil. Norton has been quoted as saying: "Metamuce in the HOUSE!" (pronouncing "house" to rhyme with "moose") Opie prefers the 'smooth texture' powder while Norton prefers the 'coarse milled'. Norton calls coarse milled "the fingernails of God scraping your colon clean."
- In Star Trek: The Next Generation Season One, an episode entitled "Skin of Evil" features a black tar-like creature named "Armus" who resides in a pool of muck. In the special features on the DVD Jonathan Frakes who portrays Commander William T. Riker, tells how the pool of muck was made from Metamucil and black printing ink.
- On the event of Senator John McCain cancelling his appearance (scheduled for September 24th, 2008) on "Late Show with David Letterman", Letterman took obvious offense. One of his remarks was directed at the changes in the Senator's behaviour due to a drop in poll numbers during the presidential election. Letterman announced that he used to admire McCain, but thought something "didn't smell right." "Someone put something in his Metamucil!", the host concluded. [7]
- In Two and a Half Men Season Four, in episode entitled "Who's Vod Kanockers?" Charlie jokes that a sponsor of Aerosmith's tour is Metamucil.
- In a Season Two episode of The O.C., Seth jokes about drinking Metamucil on his spring break trip to Miami to see the Nana.
References
- ^ Mayo Clinic webpage on cholesterol-lowering supplements Retrieved March 1, 2007.
- ^ Cho SS, Dreher ML (2001). Handbook of Dietary Fiber.
- ^ "[metamucil.com Fiber for your Health]". metamucil.com. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
- ^ "[metamucil.com Fiber for your Health]". metamucil.com. Retrieved October 20, 2009.
- ^ "Position of the American Dietetic Association: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber". Journal of the American Dietetic Association 102 (7): 993-1000. 2002. doi:.
- ^ Kies C (1983). "Purified Psyllium Seed Fiber, Human Gastrointestinal Tract Function, and Nutritional status of Humans". Unconventional Sources of Dietary Fiber 214: 61-70.
- ^ Letterman raps ‘Late Show’ no-show McCain - Candidate canceled appearance, but then did Katie Couric interview nearby Retrieved September 25, 2008.
External links
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