Supplement and digestive symptoms: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum
Does a partially hydrolyzed guar gum supplement help relieve certain digestive symptoms?
Here's what the science says!
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHG) is a dietary fiber produced from guar seed.
Since it ferments slowly, it could be an asset for certain people who want to increase their fibre intake while limiting the process of dehydration. fermentation related to certain other types of fiber that ferment more rapidly in the digestive tract.
According to current science, this fibre has a beneficial effect on the microbiota by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.
When the bacteria in the microbiota digest these fibres, they subsequently produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), It contains compounds that are beneficial to intestinal health, notably strengthening the intestinal protective barrier and improving colonic transit.
The superior tolerance of GGPH, with its low level of fermentation, would be ideal for people with a irritable bowel syndrome (often referred to as irritable bowel syndrome), suffering from diarrhea or even constipation.
During the diarrhea, It is the «beneficial» bacteria and the AGCC produced that have an osmotic effect on stools, increasing their water retention capacity. Stools are therefore more likely to be formed.
During the constipation, GGPH helps speed up transit time in the colon, improves stool frequency and consistency for more regular elimination.
According to recent studies, GGPH also helps to reduce bloating and excessive gas.
This supplement would also help reduce the production of a gas (methane) in a context of SIBO. To learn more about this digestive condition, see the blog SIBO, not so pretty!
Various commercial products
GGPH is available as a powder in supplement form. It is tasteless and dilutes well in water.
- The right Fiber 4 from Webber Naturals
- Irritable bowel syndrome relief from Flora
- Solufibre de AOR
- Optifibre Constipation Nestlé
There are several contraindications associated with the use of these products. Always check with a healthcare professional (doctor, pharmacist) to see if this product is right for you.
In short, GGPH can help relieve certain gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.
Of course, a personalized recommendation by a nutritionist is essential to determine whether this supplement is right for you.
References
- Abe et al (2023) Partially hydrolyzed guar gum is associated with improvement in gut health, sleep, and motivation among healthy subjects. J Clin Biochem Nutr. Mar;72(2:189-97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36936875/
- Black and Ford (2020) Best management of irritable bowel syndrome. Frontline Gastroenterol. May 28;12(4):303-315. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34249316/
- Niv et al (2016) Randomized clinical study: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) versus placebo in the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Nutr Metab (Lond). Feb 6;13:10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26855665/
- Polymeros et al (2014) Partially hydrolyzed guar gum accelerates colonic transit time and improves symptoms in adults with chronic constipation. Dig Dis Sci. Sep;59(9):2207-14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24711073/
- Quartarone (2013) Role of PHGG as a dietary fiber: a review article. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. Dec;59(4):329-40. PMID: 24212352. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24212352/
- Russo et al (2015) Partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: effects of gender, age, and body mass index. Saudi J Gastroenterol. Mar-Apr;21(2):104-10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25843197/
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