Guar Gum Benefits IBS Patients 31758

Guar Gum Benefits IBS Patients

GENOA, ItalyPartially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) has therapeuticeffects against constipation-predominant IBS, according to a review from theUniversity of Genoa (Nutrition, 22, 3:334-42, 2006). The authors of thereview noted water-soluble, non-gelling fibers seem to be a promising treatmentoption for IBS; PHGG appears to be one such fiber with proven providedtherapeutic benefits. In clinical trials, PHGG decreased symptoms inconstipationpredominant and diarrhea-predominant forms of IBS and decreasedabdominal pain, the authors noted; further, improvement in quality of life wasobserved 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 asit increases levels of short-chain fatty acids, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteriain the colon.