Guar Gum Supports Health of IBS Patients

VRP Staff

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum decreases symptoms in constipation-predominant and diarrhea-predominant forms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a new review of the medical literature has found.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the world's most common gastrointestinal functional disorder and is associated with several social and economic costs. Health-related quality of life is often impaired in patients with IBS.

In the review, the researchers point out that the therapeutic approach to IBS is based on symptoms, and fibers may play an important role in treatment. Among the various types of fiber, water-soluble, non-gelling fibers seem to be the most promising option for IBS. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble, non-gelling fiber that has provided therapeutic benefits in clinical trials, where it has decreased IBS symptoms including abdominal pain. In addition, during and after use of guar gum, an improvement in quality of life was observed in patients with IBS. Furthermore, guar gum increases the colonic contents of Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria, indicating it has prebiotic properties.

Reference:
Giannini EG, Mansi C, Dulbecco P, Savarino V. Role of partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Nutrition. 2006 Mar;22(3):334-42. Epub 2006 Jan 18.