I've had constipation issues for most of life and lately I've been taking the fiber supplement Metamucil. It seems to work for me, but I'm wondering if there are any long-term issues with taking it.

Metamucil has been on the market since the late 1930s and is a laxative made from fiber (psyllium) that absorbs water and waste products in the intestines.

Long-term usage may interfere with absorption of vitamins and minerals, but there are few problems reported in the literature.

Because it is a source of fiber, it may also lower cholesterol, so many people take it for decades. Another supplement that works wonders as a laxative and is also a smooth-muscle relaxant is magnesium.

Try magnesium citrate or chelated magnesium and see if you like it better.