Is Psyllium Safe?

Research Analysis by Consensus

Consensus Meter

Yes0%

Possibly0%

No0%

Introduction

Psyllium, a water-soluble fiber derived from the seeds of Plantago ovata, is commonly used as a dietary supplement for its potential health benefits, particularly in managing cholesterol levels and improving glycemic control. This synthesis aims to evaluate the safety of psyllium based on findings from multiple research studies.

Key Insights

Cholesterol Reduction and Safety:
- Psyllium significantly lowers total and LDL cholesterol levels in individuals with hypercholesterolemia when used as an adjunct to a low-fat diet, with no serious adverse effects reported .
- Psyllium-enriched cereals also effectively reduce total and LDL cholesterol without affecting HDL cholesterol, and are well tolerated .
Glycemic Control and Safety:
- Psyllium improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, reducing fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, with no serious adverse events reported .
Pediatric Use:
- Psyllium is safe and effective in reducing LDL cholesterol in children and adolescents with hypercholesterolemia, with no serious adverse effects reported .
General Tolerance:
- Psyllium is generally well tolerated across various populations, including adults and children, with no significant adverse events reported in multiple studies .

Conclusion

Psyllium is a safe and well-tolerated dietary supplement that effectively lowers total and LDL cholesterol levels and improves glycemic control in individuals with hypercholesterolemia and type 2 diabetes. Its use is supported across different age groups, including children and adolescents, with no significant adverse effects reported.

Research Analysis by Consensus

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium intake adjunctive to diet therapy in men and women with hypercholesterolemia: meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials.

Psyllium decreased serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly in diabetic outpatients.

Effects of psyllium on glucose and serum lipid responses in men with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.

Effects of psyllium on LDL-cholesterol concentrations in Brazilian children and adolescents: a randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial.

Effects of daily consumption of psyllium, oat bran and polyGlycopleX on obesity-related disease risk factors: A critical review.

A psyllium-enriched cereal for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in children: a controlled, double-blind, crossover study.

Effect of psyllium (Plantago ovata) fiber on LDL cholesterol and alternative lipid targets, non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Efficacy of Psyllium in Reducing Serum Cholesterol Levels in Hypercholesterolemic Patients on High- or Low-Fat Diets

Psyllium-enriched cereals lower blood total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, but not HDL cholesterol, in hypercholesterolemic adults: results of a meta-analysis.

Comparison of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid and cellulose as adjuncts to a prudent diet in the treatment of mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.

Try another search