Guar Gum Benefits IBS Patients

GENOA, Italy--Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) has therapeutic effects against constipation-predominant IBS, according to a review from the University of Genoa (Nutrition, 22, 3:334-42, 2006). The authors of the review noted water-soluble, non-gelling fibers seem to be a promising treatment option for IBS; PHGG appears to be one such fiber with proven provided therapeutic benefits. In clinical trials, PHGG decreased symptoms in constipation-predominant and diarrhea-predominant forms of IBS and decreased abdominal pain, the authors noted; further, improvement in quality of life was observed in patients with IBS during and after treatment with PHGG. In addition, the authors of the review pointed out PHGG seems to have prebiotic properties as it increases levels of short-chain fatty acids, Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria in the colon.