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Psyllium: how much to take

Psyllium husk is a soluble fibre used for cholesterol and regular bowel movements.

Calculator Official intake Study doses Best form Safety Sources

Adults 18+ only
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Official daily intake

This is not an essential nutrient, so there is no official daily intake. Only study doses are shown.

Doses used in studies

These are doses tested in research, not personal advice. Some exceed the upper limit because they were short courses or given under medical care.

Strong evidenceStrong: meta-analyses of randomised trials or a large trial, with results that agree.Based on 1 meta-analysis.How grades work

Lower LDL cholesterol

10 g a day

A meta-analysis of 28 trials (1,924 people) found a median of about 10 g psyllium a day lowered LDL cholesterol by 0.33 mmol/L, with moderate to high quality evidence.

Jovanovski E et al. 2018

Best form and why

Practical pick

Psyllium husk (g)

Why: Plain psyllium husk works; mix it with a full glass of water.

Jovanovski E et al. 2018

Food sources

Psyllium husk; other soluble fibre from oats, barley and beans.

Interactions

Take other medicines at a different time, as fibre can slow their absorption.

Safety

Always take with plenty of water. Start low to limit bloating.

Pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or managing a health condition? Check with a doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement.

Sources

  1. Meta-analysis Jovanovski E et al. (2018). Effect of psyllium (Plantago ovata) fiber on LDL cholesterol and alternative lipid targets: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr 108:922-932

Values checked: November 12, 2026.

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