Guar gum

General information

Guar gum is a low-viscosity water-soluble dietary fiber that has been used to treat diabetes because it slows the absorption of glucose from the gut. However, adverse reactions such as regurgitation, obstipation, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and itching are common [ ]. Partially hydrolysed guar gum has been added to enteral formulas and food products as a source of dietary fiber; it can reduce laxative use, diarrhea in septic patients receiving total enteral nutrition, and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome [ ].

In a systematic review of 11 trials of the use of guar gum to treat obesity, the most common adverse events were abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, and cramps; 11 patients (3%) dropped out owing to adverse events [ ].