If you’ve ever noticed that your digestive system isn’t quite firing on all cylinders and you’re feeling a little backed up, you may not be consuming enough fiber. It’s naturally found in foods like legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, yet many struggle to consume enough every day.
That’s where fiber supplements come in. It’s certainly possible to get enough fiber from whole foods, and we should try, but it’s not easy unless you plan on eating several cans of beans each day.
The best fiber supplements continue to grow in popularity, and according to our data study on supplement trends1, interest in fiber supplements has grown by 476% from 2010 to 2023.
Fiber supplements offer a convenient way to boost your fiber intake in the form of capsules or powder, and when paired with a balanced diet, they offer a variety of health benefits. In this Citrucel fiber review, I’ll be breaking down this popular supplement to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your daily nutrition plan.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Tested by Certified Nutrition Experts
Here at Garage Gym Reviews, every review we publish is based on extensive hands-on experience from our team of expert testers. We’re a group of certified personal trainers, nutrition experts, weightlifters, gym owners, and more.
For this review, Nicole Davis, CPT, and I tested Citrucel. We are both certified nutrition coaches through Precision Nutrition and have extensive experience using a wide range of dietary supplements.
After testing, we calculated a score using our supplement testing methodology, which rates the most important aspects of a supplement on a scale of 1 to 5. This includes categories like:
- Formulation
- Solubility
- Third-party testing
- Side effects
Citrucel Fiber Powder
Citrucel Fiber Powder
Product Highlights
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Bulk forming fiber supplement to relieve occasional constipation
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Expect results 12 to 72 hours after consumption
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4 caplets = 1 scoop
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No mixing required
- 100% soluble fiber
- Gluten free
- Available in 100, 180, and 240 count
Cons
- Pills are difficult to swallow according to customer reviews
- Customers report caplets less effective than powder
- Multiple customer report receiving opened and/or damaged products when ordering from Amazon
- Mixed reviews on the taste of caplets
Bottom Line
Citrucel Fiber Caplets are an alternative for people that would like an alternative to a powdered supplement. However, multiple customers noted that the caplets were not as effective as the powdered form of the supplement. You still need to take the pills with 8 oz water even though they are pills or they could become a choking hazard.
A Quick Look at Citrucel Fiber
Citrucel Fiber is available in several forms, including Citrucel Fiber Therapy Powder and Citrucel Caplets, which are smaller pills that don’t need to be dissolved in water. It uses methylcellulose fiber, which is 100% water soluble and non-fermentable.
It’s also gluten-free, which makes it a good choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
RELATED: What Is Gluten?
Many fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk, are fermentable and may cause bloating and gas in those who are new to fiber supplements. Methylcellulose claims to be the only type of fiber that doesn’t cause excess gas, and in my personal experience, this has been true.
It’s worth noting that while fiber is associated with a number of health benefits, like a reduced risk of stroke, heart attack, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, this is based on research using whole-food, intact fiber. Multiple studies, like this 2020 study2 published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, found that fiber supplements help with regularity and may help lower LDL cholesterol, but don’t have the same benefits as whole-food fiber.
This means that fiber supplements like Citrucel could improve digestive health, especially if you suffer from occasional constipation, but you shouldn’t use them to replace fiber from whole food sources.
RELATED: Best Fiber Supplements for Constipation
Too much fiber, especially without adequate hydration, can also cause side effects like abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Citrucel should be safe for most, but if you have any concerns, be sure to speak with a medical professional first.
Before You Buy
- Citrucel is available in both powder and caplet form.
- Both versions use methylcellulose fiber, which doesn’t produce excessive gas.
- While fiber supplements can help with regularity, they don’t provide the same health benefits, like providing vitamins and minerals, as dietary fiber from plant-based food.
Is Citrucel Fiber Worth It?
Both Citrucel’s powder and caplets are very affordable, but that doesn’t mean they’re a must-buy for everyone. Here’s who would benefit the most from using these fiber supplements.
Great for:
- Individuals looking to have regular bowel movements
- Those who struggle to consume fiber in their regular diet
- Anyone who wants a low-cost way to boost their digestive health
Not recommended for:
- People who don’t struggle with constipation and bowel movements
- Those who follow high-fiber diets
- People who have gastrointestinal conditions that may be irritated by excess fiber, and have not yet discussed it with a healthcare provider
Citrucel Fiber Specs
| Dose instructions | Adults and children over 12 years of age: start with 2 caplets and increase as needed, up to 6 times per day. For powder, start with 1 heaping tablespoon per day, and increase up to 3 times per day as needed. |
| Fiber source | Methylcellulose |
| Fiber per serving | 500 mg per caplet, 2 g per heaping tablespoon |
| Cost | $0.30/serving for caplets, $0.32/serving for powder |
| Soluble/insoluble | Soluble |
Experience Using Citrucel Fiber
I’ve been using this supplement daily, alternating between the Citrucel tablets and powder. I tend to eat a high-fiber diet, so my body may be accustomed to fiber, but I didn’t notice any significant changes in my digestive health.
Certain fiber supplements in the past have made me feel a bit bloated, but Citrucel hasn’t caused any issues. It uses a type of fiber that’s meant to be non-gas-forming, and I’ve found this to be true.
GGR’s Head of Content, Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, also tried Citrucel and didn’t notice any side effects or issues when testing the fiber caplets. Your results may vary, of course, especially if you have any type of food sensitivities. Still, both of us have found Citrucel to be very gentle and easy to tolerate compared to other fiber supplements.
Price Per Serving
Based on our testing methodology, Citrucel earns a strong 5-out-of-5-star rating for the price per serving. I purchased the supplements from Amazon, where prices may fluctuate over time, but at the time of writing, the caplets were $0.30 per serving, and the powder was $0.32 per serving.
It’s not fortified with prebiotics, digestive enzymes, or any other ingredients, so you’re getting a great deal on a fiber supplement that seems to be very gentle and easy to use.
Formulation
Citrucel’s powder formulation earns an average score of 3 out of 5. It’s not bad, but it could certainly be improved. Some gut health supplements include a blend of ingredients along with fiber, like prebiotics or digestive enzymes, but this is a simple formula with 2 grams of fiber per rounded tablespoon. For context, the recommended daily fiber intake is 14 grams per 1,000 calories consumed, or about 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men2.
Aside from the active ingredient, methylcellulose, Citrucel includes inactive ingredients such as maltodextrin and sucrose, contributing 60 calories per serving. For those looking to limit added sugar, a sugar-free option is available. It also provides 80 milligrams of calcium and 110 milligrams of potassium.
The caplets contain no flavors or sweeteners, but each caplet contains 500 milligrams of fiber and 10 milligrams of calcium.
While I like to see a non-fermentable, soluble fiber that results in easy digestion, many prefer to use a blend of both soluble and insoluble fibers, which we see in other fiber supplements. The powder also contains artificial sweeteners and flavors, which I’m fine with, but many prefer to avoid entirely.
RELATED: Bulletproof InnerFuel Prebiotic Review
Taste and Solubility
For taste and solubility, I give the Citrucel powder a 4 out of 5. I was very pleasantly surprised by the mild orange flavor. It doesn’t taste overly sweet or leave a strong aftertaste at all.
It’s a little grainy but far less than many other fiber supplements I’ve used in the past. Of course, there’s still some texture, so I won’t give this a 5-star rating, but for a fiber supplement, I do think this is far more soluble than most—provided you use at least 8 ounces of water as instructed.
Nicole also pointed out that to get a whole serving of the caplets, you need to take four, which isn’t the most convenient option.
“They’re a fairly standard size, not too large, and were fine to swallow,” said Nicole. “They’re not super coated like some vitamins, as they have a little texture to them. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad for some people. You’d have to take 4 capsules to get 2 grams of fiber, which is a lot of pills, in my opinion.”
Side Effects
For the side effects, Citrucel earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating. I was happy to discover that Citrucel didn’t cause stomach discomfort, bloating, or gas at all, which has certainly been an issue with other high-fiber supplements I’ve used in the past.
It’s important to drink at least 8 ounces of water with each serving to reduce the risk of choking due to the fiber supplement’s viscosity. Any fiber supplement may cause GI issues if you’re not drinking enough water, which is why Citrucel also recommends drinking an additional glass of water after the initial 8 ounces. However, as long as I stay hydrated, I haven’t experienced any sort of issues with either the caplets or the powder.
Third-Party Testing
Citrucel earns a 4 out of 5 for third-party testing. The brand doesn’t explicitly say who does the third-party testing, but CVS carries Citrucel products and only sells supplements that have third-party testing.
I also found Citrucel on ConsumerLab.com, but it’s not clear if other major organizations like Informed Choice or the Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG) have tested it.
Citrucel Fiber vs Metamucil 4-in-1 Psyllium Fiber Supplement
Metamucil 4-in-1 Fiber
Metamucil 4-in-1 Fiber
Product Highlights
- Powder psyllium husk fiber supplement
- Promotes digestive health and regularity
- Orange flavor
- Subscribe & Save option available
- Sugar-free blend
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Promotes healthy blood sugar levels
- No added sugar
- No.1 doctor recommended fiber, according to Metamucil
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Metamucil claims are based on small studies
- Contains aspartame
- Only 1 flavor
Bottom Line
Metamucil is a plant-based fiber supplement with good reviews for taste and effectiveness.
If you’re looking for another popular fiber supplement that uses a different type of fiber, Metamucil is one of the most well-known brand names and uses psyllium husk rather than methylcellulose.
Compared to methylcellulose fiber, psyllium husk is generally thicker when mixed with liquid, as it absorbs the water and forms a gel-like consistency. This results in a thicker drink that’s not as pleasant to consume, in my opinion, though psyllium husk is also sold in capsule form.
While there’s mixed research, it seems like psyllium husk may be partially fermented by the gut, which is why many report that psyllium husk may cause more gas and bloating initially. However, research also suggests3 that psyllium husk may be more effective for relieving constipation than methylcellulose.
Overall, both are great choices if you want more regular bowel movements. Metamucil uses psyllium husk, which may be more effective, but it’s a thicker fiber that may also cause more bloating, while Citrucel is very gentle on the stomach.
We recommend Metamucil if you want the most clinically backed form of fiber and Citrucel if you’ve had stomach discomfort from fiber supplements in the past and want a gentle option.
| Citrucel Fiber | Metamucil 4-in-1 Psyllium Fiber Supplement | |
| Dose instructions | Adults and children over 12 years of age: start with 2 caplets and increase as needed, up to 6 times per day. For powder, start with 1 heaping tablespoon per day, and increase up to 3 times per day as needed. | Up to 3 servings daily, each serving mixed with at least 8 fluid ounces of water |
| Fiber source | Methylcellulose | Psyllium husk |
| Fiber per serving | 500 mg per caplet, 2 g per heaping tablespoon | 3 g |
| Cost | $0.30/serving for caplets, $0.32/serving for powder | $0.16/serving |
| Soluble/insoluble | Soluble | Soluble |
Customer Experience
Citrucel is only sold at major retailers like Amazon, CVS, Target, and other major grocery stores and pharmacies. Your ordering experience will be determined by the retailer you shop with.
You can send an email to Citrucel, but there is no listed phone number or contact form. Overall, the customer experience earns a 3 out of 5.
Ordering Citrucel Fiber
Citrucel is sold at most major retailers and grocery stores and isn’t directly sold by the company. I ordered mine from Amazon and received free same-day delivery with my Amazon Prime account, but this will depend on where you live and what retailer you order from.
If you don’t want to order your supplements online, Citrucel is also available over-the-counter in many pharmacies and grocery stores.
Customer Reviews
Both the powder and caplets have thousands of reviews on Amazon. The caplets have an average score of 4.6, and the powder has an average score of 4.5.
Most customers say the product works well, is easy to digest, and has a pleasant taste compared to other formulas, though some don’t like the artificial orange flavor and prefer the caplets.
Final Verdict of Our Citrucel Fiber Review
If you’re looking for a gentle fiber supplement to help promote regular bowel movements, Citrucel is a great choice. It uses a non-fermentable, non-gas-forming source of fiber that’s easy to digest and mixes well in liquid.
No fiber supplement can replace whole-food sources of fiber, and other forms of fiber, like psyllium husk, may be more effective for some. However, if you’ve had digestive issues with fiber in the past, Citrucel Fiber in both the caplet and powder form is well worth a try.
Full Rating
Citrucel Fiber
Citrucel Fiber Caplets are an alternative for people that would like an alternative to a powdered supplement. However, multiple customers noted that the caplets were not as effective as the powdered form of the supplement. You still need to take the pills with 8 oz water even though they are pills or they could become a choking hazard.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 18.22
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.31
Citrucel Fiber: FAQs
Is Citrucel a laxative or fiber?
Citrucel is made of methylcellulose, a bulk-forming fiber that acts as a mild laxative and is meant to be used for occasional constipation relief. It’s both a dietary fiber supplement and a gentle laxative.
Is it safe to take Citrucel every day?
Citrucel advises against using the product for longer than one week unless directed by a physician. If you find that you need to use Citrucel for an extended period, such as for persistent constipation, it’s important to consult your doctor to address potential underlying causes and explore appropriate treatment options.
What are the side effects of taking Citrucel?
Citrucel is meant to be gentle, but excess fiber intake can cause stomach cramping, constipation, and other digestive issues. It may also cause allergic reactions if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients or additives in Citrucel. If you notice any side effects, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Strong, L. (2024, April 29). Supplements trends study 2024. Garage Gym Reviews. https://www.garagegymreviews.com/supplements-trends-study
- White N. (2020). A Guide to Recommending Fiber Supplements for Self-Care. American journal of lifestyle medicine, 14(6), 589–591. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827620947375
- McRorie J. W., Jr (2015). Evidence-Based Approach to Fiber Supplements and Clinically Meaningful Health Benefits, Part 2: What to Look for and How to Recommend an Effective Fiber Therapy. Nutrition today, 50(2), 90–97. https://doi.org/10.1097/NT.0000000000000089
