Citrucel is a fiber supplement often used to help manage constipation. It contains methylcellulose, a soluble fiber that becomes gel-like and bulky when mixed with liquids. This helps add bulk and moisture to stools, allowing them to pass more easily through the intestines.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by ingesting gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, it damages the small intestine and can cause diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and other digestive issues. The only treatment for celiac disease is adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.
So can people with celiac disease safely take Citrucel? Does Citrucel contain any hidden sources of gluten that could be problematic? Let’s take a deeper look at the ingredients and manufacturing process to find out.
Is Citrucel Gluten-Free?
According to the manufacturer, Citrucel is gluten-free. The main active ingredient in Citrucel is methylcellulose. Methylcellulose is a starchy substance derived from cellulose in plants. It does not naturally contain any gluten.
The other inactive ingredients in Citrucel also appear to be gluten-free. These include:
- Citric acid
- Sodium chloride
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Potassium chloride
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Aspartame
None of these additional ingredients contain gluten sources either. Citrucel has been third-party tested and verified as gluten-free by organizations like the Celiac Support Association and the Celiac Disease Foundation. It’s also labeled “gluten-free” on the packaging.
So from an ingredients standpoint, Citrucel appears to be perfectly safe for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
However, there is still a theoretical risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-containing grains come into contact with gluten-free products, contaminating them with traces of gluten.
Some key points regarding Citrucel and cross-contamination:
- Citrucel is made in facilities that also process wheat-containing products. So there is some risk of cross-contamination.
- The manufacturer states they follow cGMPs (current Good Manufacturing Practices) and have procedures in place to avoid cross-contamination.
- Independent gluten testing has found Citrucel products to have less than 5-10ppm of gluten. This falls below the 20ppm that’s considered gluten-free.
So while there is a theoretical risk due to shared facilities, it appears to be very low in practice based on third-party testing results. Individual tolerance levels vary, but Citrucel contains such minute amounts of gluten that it is generally considered safe by most celiacs.
Recommendations from Gastroenterology Associations
The American Gastroenterological Association and Canadian Celiac Association both list Citrucel as a recommended fiber supplement for people with celiac disease.
Here are their key recommendations:
- Citrucel is likely safe for most people with celiac disease, based on testing showing negligible levels of gluten.
- Individuals with more sensitive symptoms should exercise caution and monitor symptoms when first trying it.
- Look for batch testing or certification symbols indicating the product was tested and confirmed gluten-free.
So the major gastroenterology organizations recognize Citrucel as a good option for people with celiac disease. Those very sensitive to trace gluten may want to exercise some caution initially.
Individual Experiences
When looking at reports from people with celiac disease who have tried Citrucel, experiences are generally positive:
- Most people report no issues and have not experienced any symptoms or illness after taking Citrucel.
- Some celiacs mention they stick to certain production batches that are periodically tested for gluten.
- A few people have reported occasional mild symptoms like bloating. Symptoms went away when they stopped taking it.
- Highly sensitive individuals have reported reacting to Citrucel with moderate to severe symptoms.
So for the majority of people with celiac disease, Citrucel seems to be well-tolerated with no reactions. But there definitely is a subset of more sensitive individuals who seem to react and should avoid it.
Positive Experiences
Here are some positive experiences from celiacs who have taken Citrucel safely:
“I’ve taken Citrucel daily for years with no issues whatsoever. I think it’s one of the safest fiber supplements for celiacs.”
“Citrucel is my go-to source of fiber. It keeps me regular without abdominal pain or celiac symptoms coming back.”
“My doctor recommended Citrucel because methylcellulose is inherently gluten-free. I’ve never had any problems taking it.”
“I’ve been taking Citrucel for over a decade, mainly for IBS-C. It definitely helps manage my chronic constipation caused by celiac.”
Negative Experiences
Here are some reports from more sensitive celiacs reacting to Citrucel:
“I took Citrucel once and ended up quite sick for several days. I must be really sensitive even to trace contamination.”
“Citrucel seems to give me mild indigestion and stomach pains. It may be cross-contamination issues. I don’t chance it anymore.”
“I tried Citrucel but started getting diarrhea, cramping, headaches and fatigue. Symptoms went away when I stopped, so it must not be safe for me.”
“I have very severe celiac disease and get sick if products aren’t made in a dedicated facility. Citrucel seems to have trace gluten so I avoid it.”
So while most celiacs tolerate Citrucel well, there is a portion of more sensitive individuals who seem to react negatively.
Tips for Tolerability
Here are some tips for taking Citrucel more comfortably and minimizing any potential reactions:
- Start slow – Build up intake gradually from a small dose to monitor any symptoms.
- Stick to tested batches – Use batches that have been periodically tested gluten-free.
- Rinse thoroughly – Make sure to rinse mouth and drink fluids to remove any traces left behind.
- Take separately – Take Citrucel separately from gluten-containing foods or medicines.
- Try pure forms – Opt for Citrucel caplets or powder rather than the flavored beverage.
Following these tips can help minimize any risk of reaction in sensitive individuals. Stop taking immediately if any concerning symptoms develop.
The Bottom Line
For most people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, Citrucel appears to be safe for use and well-tolerated. The main ingredient methylcellulose does not contain gluten. Manufacturing facilities follow procedures to avoid cross-contamination.
Independent testing shows negligible traces of gluten well below 20ppm. Leading celiac organizations approve of Citrucel. And the majority of individuals report taking Citrucel without issues.
However, a small percentage of highly sensitive celiacs report reacting negatively to Citrucel. So those very sensitive should exercise caution and monitor symptoms closely when first trying it.
Overall, Citrucel can be considered a good fiber supplement option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, with some reasonable precautions taken. Checking for testing certification labels, starting slowly, and staying alert to symptoms can help minimize risk of reaction.
Other Fiber Supplement Options
For those who don’t tolerate Citrucel well, here are some other fiber supplement options generally considered gluten-free:
Psyllium Husks – Psyllium is a soluble fiber derived from the husks of psyllium plant seeds. Popular brands like Metamucil contain psyllium husk powder or capsules. Ensure the brand is certified gluten-free.
Inulin – Inulin is a prebiotic soluble fiber extracted from chicory roots. It acts as a food source for good gut bacteria. Brands like Orafti Inulin are gluten-free.
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum – PHGG is a water-soluble fiber derived from guar beans. It helps regulate bowel movements. Brands like Benefiber are tested gluten-free.
Glucomannan – Made from konjac root, glucomannan is a soluble fermentable fiber that can help relieve constipation. Look for gluten-free certified products.
Acacia Fiber – Also known as gum arabic, acacia fiber comes from the sap of the Acacia tree. It is an excellent soluble fiber option.
As always, be sure to look for reputable brands that are third-party tested and labeled gluten-free. Start with low doses and monitor symptoms to check individual tolerance.
The Takeaway
Citrucel can generally be considered safe for most people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, it’s not risk-free due to the potential for cross-contamination during manufacturing. A small percentage of highly sensitive individuals report reacting negatively.
To minimize risk, opt for Citrucel products that are periodically tested gluten-free. Start with a low dose and stop immediately if any concerning symptoms arise. Be extra cautious if you know you are highly sensitive. And consider exploring other fiber supplement alternatives that may be better tolerated.