Why is Citrucel Out of Stock Everywhere? Understanding the Shortage

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Millions of people rely on fiber supplements for digestive regularity, yet many have recently been asking: Why is Citrucel out of stock everywhere? A combination of supply chain disruptions, manufacturing issues, and rising demand created a perfect storm for this popular product [1.3.1, 1.3.6].

Quick Summary

A widespread shortage of Citrucel occurred due to increased consumer demand, global supply constraints of its active ingredient, methylcellulose, and manufacturing slowdowns [1.2.1]. While stock is improving, this explains the issue and details effective alternatives.

Key Points

Core Problem: The Citrucel shortage was caused by a combination of high demand, global shortages of the active ingredient methylcellulose, and manufacturing slowdowns [1.2.1, 1.2.2].
Active Ingredient: Citrucel's key ingredient, methylcellulose, is a non-fermentable fiber, making it less likely to cause gas and bloating than psyllium-based products like Metamucil [1.2.1].
Manufacturing Transition: Production transitioned to a new manufacturer, Haleon, which contributed to operational delays and reduced output for a period [1.4.1].
Availability Update: While the worst of the shortage occurred between late 2023 and early 2024, and stock has since improved, availability may still vary by region [1.2.1].
Direct Alternative: Major Fiber Therapy is considered the only true generic alternative, as it uses the same active ingredient (methylcellulose) as Citrucel [1.6.3].
Other Options: Other fiber supplements like Metamucil (psyllium) and Benefiber (wheat dextrin) work differently and may cause more gas in sensitive individuals [1.6.3, 1.6.5].
Consult a Professional: It is always recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist before switching supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions [1.2.5].

The Disappearance of a Digestive Health Staple

For many consumers managing their digestive health, Citrucel has long been a trusted go-to fiber supplement. Its key ingredient, methylcellulose, is known for being a non-fermentable, bulk-forming fiber, which means it is less likely to cause the gas and bloating associated with other fiber types like psyllium [1.2.1, 1.6.3]. This gentle nature makes it a preferred choice for individuals with sensitive stomachs. However, beginning in late 2023 and continuing through 2024, consumers noticed both branded and generic versions of Citrucel becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to find on store shelves and online [1.2.1]. This left many wondering about the cause and when they could expect its return.

A Three-Fold Problem: Demand, Supply, and Manufacturing

The scarcity of Citrucel was not due to a single issue but rather a convergence of several related problems that strained the product's availability [1.2.2].

Increased Consumer Demand

There has been a general rise in consumer interest in digestive health and the use of over-the-counter laxatives [1.3.6]. As more people focused on gut function and sought solutions for occasional constipation, the demand for effective and gentle products like Citrucel grew significantly [1.2.1, 1.3.6]. This surge put unexpected pressure on the existing supply.

Global Methylcellulose Constraints

The primary active ingredient in Citrucel, methylcellulose, is derived from plant-based cellulose and is used across various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food production [1.3.7, 1.5.2]. The global supply chain for methylcellulose has faced significant challenges, including fluctuations in the price and availability of raw materials like wood pulp, high production costs, and logistical hurdles [1.5.2, 1.5.4]. These disruptions, sometimes exacerbated by global events, created a bottleneck in sourcing the essential ingredient needed to produce Citrucel [1.2.1, 1.5.3].

Manufacturing Slowdowns

Compounding the ingredient shortage were manufacturing delays. The production of Citrucel transitioned to a new producer, Haleon, and such operational shifts can lead to temporary slowdowns as processes are ramped up [1.4.1]. Haleon has acknowledged that supply chain challenges can impact manufacturing and sometimes lead to product availability issues [1.4.4]. While the company has not articulated every specific detail, this combination of high demand, raw material scarcity, and production adjustments culminated in the widespread shortages seen by consumers [1.2.5]. Though availability began to improve by the spring of 2024, regional stock can still be inconsistent [1.2.1].

Pharmacology of Methylcellulose

Methylcellulose is a bulk-forming laxative [1.6.2]. Pharmacologically, it works by absorbing water in the intestines to create a softer, more voluminous stool. This added bulk stimulates the natural contractions of the intestinal muscles, helping to move the stool through the system and relieve constipation [1.6.2]. Unlike fermentable fibers (such as psyllium in Metamucil), methylcellulose is not broken down by gut bacteria, which is why it produces significantly less gas and bloating [1.6.3]. It typically produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours [1.6.5]. It's a synthetic modification of natural cellulose, rendering it soluble and effective for its purpose [1.3.7].

Citrucel Alternatives: A Comparison

With Citrucel being hard to find, many have sought effective alternatives. The best choice depends on individual needs and tolerance for different fiber types. The only true generic alternative that uses the same active ingredient is Major Fiber Therapy [1.6.3].


Feature	Citrucel (Methylcellulose)	Metamucil (Psyllium)	Benefiber (Wheat Dextrin)	Major Fiber Therapy (Methylcellulose)
Active Ingredient	Methylcellulose [1.6.3]	Psyllium Husk [1.6.5]	Wheat Dextrin [1.6.3]	Methylcellulose [1.6.3]
Primary Benefit	Gentle, non-gassy relief [1.2.1]	Bulk-forming, cholesterol-lowering benefits	Dissolves clearly, grit-free	Same as Citrucel, often lower cost [1.6.3]
Potential Side Effects	Bloating if taken without enough water [1.6.2]	Can cause gas and bloating [1.2.1]	Generally well-tolerated	Bloating if taken without enough water [1.6.2]
Formulation	Powder and Caplets [1.7.4]	Powder, Capsules, Thins	Powder	Powder [1.6.3]
Best For	People with sensitive digestion or prone to gas	Those seeking added heart health benefits	Users who dislike the texture of other fibers	A direct, lower-cost replacement for Citrucel

Conclusion: Navigating the Fiber Aisle

The Citrucel shortage highlighted the fragility of global supply chains and the impact of fluctuating consumer demand on over-the-counter medications. While the situation has largely improved as of mid-2024, consumers may still encounter inconsistent availability [1.2.1]. Understanding the reasons behind the shortage—a trifecta of demand, material sourcing, and manufacturing shifts—provides important context. Fortunately, for those who rely on methylcellulose for its gentle, non-gassy properties, alternatives like Major Fiber Therapy offer a reliable and identical active ingredient [1.6.3]. As always, when switching supplements or managing persistent digestive issues, consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action [1.2.5].

For more information on digestive health, a valuable resource is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Frequently Asked Questions

Citrucel was out of stock due to a combination of three main factors: a surge in consumer demand for digestive health products, a global supply chain shortage of its active ingredient, methylcellulose, and manufacturing delays related to its transition to a new producer, Haleon [1.4.1].

For the most part, yes. As of spring 2024, Citrucel returned to most store shelves. However, some regions or retailers may still experience intermittent stock issues or fluctuating inventory [1.2.1].

The most recommended generic alternative is Major Fiber Therapy. It contains the exact same active ingredient, methylcellulose, and is designed to be a direct, one-to-one replacement, often at a lower cost [1.6.3].

No, Citrucel is not discontinued. The manufacturer, Haleon, continues to produce the product, though it has faced supply challenges [1.6.3, 1.4.4].

The main difference is the active ingredient. Citrucel uses methylcellulose, which is non-fermentable and less likely to cause gas [1.2.1]. Metamucil uses psyllium husk, a fiber that is effective but can cause gas and bloating in some people [1.6.5].

Yes, you can use other fiber supplements like those containing psyllium (Metamucil) or wheat dextrin (Benefiber), but they work differently and may have different side effects. It's best to consult a healthcare provider for a recommendation suited to your needs [1.6.2, 1.2.5].

Sourcing methylcellulose is challenging due to fluctuating prices and availability of its raw materials (like wood pulp), energy-intensive production costs, and complex global supply chains that are prone to disruption [1.5.2, 1.5.4].