Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Methyl cellulose is a semi-synthetic, non-fermentable fiber commonly used as a bulk-forming laxative. Its primary use in the context of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is to help manage symptoms of constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C), due to its ability to increase stool bulk and water content, thereby facilitating bowel movements. Scientific validation for its use comes mainly from analogy to other fiber supplements, such as psyllium, though direct evidence for methyl cellulose is limited. Several clinical guidelines, including those from the American College of Gastroenterology, recommend soluble fiber supplementation for IBS, noting that soluble fibers are generally better tolerated than insoluble fibers. Methyl cellulose, being a non-fermentable soluble fiber, tends to produce less gas and bloating compared to fermentable fibers, which is advantageous in IBS management.

However, while the general category of soluble, non-fermentable fiber is supported by moderate evidence for improving constipation and overall IBS symptoms, there are relatively few high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically assessing methyl cellulose in IBS. Most studies have evaluated psyllium or other fibers. As a result, the evidence rating is moderate (3/5), reflecting indirect but plausible support rather than strong, direct clinical trial evidence. In summary, methyl cellulose is scientifically justified as a treatment option for IBS, particularly for constipation, but more direct research would strengthen the recommendation.

More about Methyl cellulose
More about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Other ingredients used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

2'-Fucosyllactose
akkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
alpha-pinene
amino acids
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
Indian frankincense
butyrate triglyceride
chen pi
chia seed
chlorella
cinnamon
turmeric
curcumin
fennel
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
ginger
green banana
green tea
guar gum
cellulose
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
l-glutamine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lovage
marshmallow
oat
pectin
peppermint oil
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
butyric acid
psyllium
quercetin
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
vitamin D
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
hyssop
atractylodes
ferula assafoetida
anise
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
chrysanthemum
senna
white oak
algae
Agastache
Asafoetida
Alexandrian senna
Agrimonia pilosa
Betony
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Boswellia
Bacillus licheniformis
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Cumin
Coriander
Citron
Cannabidiol
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Enterococcus
Enzyme Blend
Fig
Fiber
Quince
Rhubarb

Other health conditions supported by Methyl cellulose

Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Products containing Methyl cellulose

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.