Psyllium (soluble fiber)
Helped about 1 extra person in 7 with IBS.
Grade A: Strong human proof
Big trials in people, and it worked.
The grade is for the use people talk about, not for every use. Filed under: Gut health.
How it works
A soluble fiber from seed husks. It holds water and forms a gel in the gut.
How it was given in studies
By mouth. In the trials people swallowed it as a capsule, tablet, powder or drink.
This is what the studies did. It is not a how-to.
What studies saw
A review of 14 trials in 906 people with IBS found soluble fiber helped. Bran did not. For constipation, a review of 16 trials in 1,251 adults found about 66% improved on fiber, against 41% without it.
The trade-off
More gas was the main complaint in the constipation trials.
When it showed up, in studies
Trial lengths varied. No clear timeline.
Sources
Put this grade on your site
Copy the line below. The badge links back to this page, so readers can check the sources. It grades the compound in studies. It does not rate any product or seller.
<a href="https://www.workedinrats.com/compounds/psyllium-soluble-fiber"><img src="https://www.workedinrats.com/badge/psyllium-soluble-fiber.svg" alt="Psyllium (soluble fiber): grade A, strong human proof. Worked in Rats" width="300" height="72"></a>
Keep going
We show what studies found. We never tell you what to take. Doses vary by study. Check the sources and talk to a doctor.