Methylcellulose and constipation

What 2 graded rows on methylcellulose agree on for constipation, and where they differ. Counted side by side, never averaged.

Consensus finder Rows from the Methylcellulose page, reviewed Oct 21, 2026 How it decides

What the rows agree on

Each block and row is one graded row from the Methylcellulose page, with its PubMed record.

Supplement

Methylcellulose Choose another

2 rows · 580 people

They agree: both rows found an improvement.

No difference

Improved

Each block is one evidence row, sized by how many people it enrolled, with its grade inside.

From the rows

The best-graded row, grade D, is an observational study of 538 people (1989) and found an improvement.

The rows run from 42 to 538 people, published from 1989 to 2003: 2 single studies.

2 improved

Grade DConstipation symptoms (stool frequency, consistency, ease of passage) · Improved
Observational · n 538 · 1989 · Patients with a history of constipation (fewer than three stools a week), USA
1 to 3 tablespoons a day · Not stated in the abstract
Stool frequency, consistency and ease of passage returned to normal, and 61% of patients were judged to have less constipation. Response did not differ by sex, age or diverticular disease.
Row on the Methylcellulose page · PubMed 2805023 (opens PubMed)
Grade DComplete bowel movements, stool consistency and straining · Improved
Open-label trial · n 42 · 2003 · Patients from colorectal surgical practices who had been advised to use fiber (USA)
Average 3.1 caplets a day (about 1.6 g methylcellulose); 2 caplets twice daily advised · 2 weeks
The share of complete bowel movements and normal-consistency stools rose and straining fell over 14 days; physicians rated more than 75% of responses very good or excellent.
Row on the Methylcellulose page · PubMed 12582295 (opens PubMed)