PHGG Research
25 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 8.5/10
[Clinical utility of partially hydrolyzed guar gum: review of evidence and experience]
Cantón Blanco A et al. • Nutricion hospitalaria (2017)
In other clinical situations, more quality studies would be necessary in order to make concrete recommendations.
- Its use in enteral nutrition associated diarrhea is supported by several studies and by the recommendations of scientific societies such as the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.
- The usefulness of GGPH has been studied in many other clinical situations, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, bacterial overgrowth, etc. with promising results.
- Conclusions: GGPH is useful in the management of enteral nutrition associated diarrhea.
Probiotics for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Clinical Data in Children
Giannetti E et al. • Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition (2016)
Therefore, probiotics could play a relevant role in the management of FGIDs, by affecting the gut microbiota or by altering brain function and pain perception centrally.
- Systematic review examining PHGG efficacy
- Published in Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition (2016)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Role of guar fiber in appetite control
Rao TP • Physiology & behavior (2016)
All rights reserved.
- Regular intake of guar fiber at a dose of 2g/serving provided significant sustained post-meal satiation effects and minimized the inter-meal calorie intake by about 20% in normal subjects.
- Guar fiber containing >85% dietary fiber, with clear solubility and negligible taste impact, may be an ideal natural dietary fiber for use in food and supplement applications at low dosage levels for appetite control.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc.
- The intake of guar fiber alone at a dose >5g/serving or its combination with protein (2.6g guar fiber+8g protein/serving) showed acute satiety effects in normal subjects.
Role of PHGG as a dietary fiber: a review article
Quartarone G • Minerva gastroenterologica e dietologica (2013)
Not all the fibers are the same: this is a fact.
- Not all the fibers are the same: this is a fact.
- Promoting the specific knowledge of their characteristics is very important if healthcare professionals want to give their patients the best options for functional gastrointestinal disorders or nutritional needs.
- PHGG (Benefiber™ Novartis CH) has been proved to be safe and effective in promoting gut health.
Dietary fiber and digestive health in children
Korczak R et al. • Nutrition reviews (2017)
For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
- Additional well-designed intervention trials are needed to determine whether outcomes of digestive health such as stool form, gastrointestinal tolerance, and stool frequency are improved by increasing the fiber content of children's diets with whole-grain sources.© The Author(s) 2017.
- Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute.
- All rights reserved.
Tolerability and efficacy of an enteral formula containing partially hydrolyzed guar gum in patients following gastrointestinal surgery: A prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled study
Han T et al. • Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2026)
The PHGG-enriched enteral nutrition formulation is well-tolerated and non-inferior to a fiber-free formula among patients following GI surgery.
- The incidence of diarrhea was 9.6 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 6.3 to 12.8) in the experimental group and 10.1 % (95 % CI: 6.8 to 13.4) in the control group, with an absolute difference of -0.5 (95 % CI: -5.1 to 4.2) confirming non-inferiority (P < 0.001).
- In patients who consumed ≥4500 kcal over 5 days (averaging 900 kcal/day), the experimental group showed significantly improved feeding tolerance, with a reduced prevalence of diarrhea and abdominal distension (10.4 % vs 24.7 %, P = 0.045; 19.4 % vs 38.4 %, P = 0.016).
- Patients with gastric cancer in the experimental group had significantly less abdominal distension (22.7 % vs 48.8 %; P = 0.014).
Role of partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
Giannini EG et al. • Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) (2006)
Moreover, PHGG seems to have prebiotic properties because it increases the colonic contents of short-chain fatty acids, Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria.
- Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble, non-gelling fiber that has provided therapeutic benefits.
- In clinical trials, PHGG decreased symptoms in constipation-predominant and diarrhea-predominant forms of IBS and decreased abdominal pain.
- Further, an improvement in quality of life was observed in patients with IBS during and after treatment with PHGG.
Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum on Cognitive Function and Sleep Efficiency in Healthy Elderly Subjects in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Parallel-Group Study
Abe A et al. • Nutrients (2024)
In summary, supplementation with PHGG was effective in improving cognitive functions, particularly visual memory, as well as enhancing sleep quality and vitality in healthy elderly individuals (UMIN000049070).
- The visual memory scores in cognitive function tests and sleepiness on rising scores related to sleep quality were significantly improved in the PHGG group compared to the placebo group.
- Vigor-activity scores were significantly improved, while the scores for Confusion-Bewilderment decreased significantly in the PHGG group when compared to the baseline.
- No significant differences were observed in mood parameters between the groups.
Continuous partially hydrolyzed guar gum intake reduces cold-like symptoms: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial in healthy adults
Sakai S et al. • European review for medical and pharmacological sciences (2022)
PHGG intake may affect immune function and suppress cold-like symptoms through the production of SCFAs in healthy adults.
- PHGG intake may affect immune function and suppress cold-like symptoms through the production of SCFAs in healthy adults.
- Published in European review for medical and pharmacological sciences (2022)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Effect of Repeated Consumption of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum on Fecal Characteristics and Gut Microbiota: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Parallel-Group Clinical Trial
Yasukawa Z et al. • Nutrients (2019)
Our results suggest that intake of PHGG improves human stool form via regulating intestinal microbiota.
- Intake of the PHGG for 3 months significantly improved stool form, evaluated using BSS, and had no effects on stool frequency.
- BSS was significantly normalized in the group consuming the PHGG compared with the placebo.
- Comprehensive fecal microbiome analysis by the 16S rRNA-sequence method detected significant changes in the ratio of some bacteria, such as an increase of Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05) in the PHGG group.
Maintenance therapy with partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the conservative treatment of chronic anal fissure: results of a prospective, randomized study
Brillantino A et al. • BioMed research international (2014)
The maintenance therapy with PHGG in patients with healed CAF after chemical sphincterotomy by topical application of GTN 0.4% ointment seems associated with a significant reduction of recurrence rate and with a significant increase of success rate at 12-month followup.
- The success and recurrence rate at 12-month followup were, respectively, 38.3% (28/73) in group I versus 58.5% (41/70) in group II (P = 0.019; Fisher's exact test) and 30.2% (13/43) in group I versus 14.5% (7/48) in group II (P = 0.0047; Fisher's exact test).
- The maintenance therapy with PHGG in patients with healed CAF after chemical sphincterotomy by topical application of GTN 0.4% ointment seems associated with a significant reduction of recurrence rate and with a significant increase of success rate at 12-month followup.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum Supplementation on Diarrhea Frequency and Gut Microbiome Count Among Pelvic Radiation Patients
Rosli D et al. • JPEN. Journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition (2021)
Supplementation of PHGG potentially increased the bifidobacterial count and seemed to have post-supplementation effects by reducing the frequency of diarrhea upon the completion of pelvic radiation treatment.
- A total of 30 patients (mean age 56.5 ± 10.8 years, 75% malnourished) participated.
- Supplementation of PHGG potentially increased the bifidobacterial count and seemed to have post-supplementation effects by reducing the frequency of diarrhea upon the completion of pelvic radiation treatment.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Efficacy of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) supplemented modified oral rehydration solution in the treatment of severely malnourished children with watery diarrhoea: a randomised double-blind controlled trial
Alam NH et al. • Journal of health, population, and nutrition (2015)
PHGG added to ORS substantially reduced duration of diarrhoea.
- The mean time (day) to attain weight for length 80% of NCHS median without edema was significantly shorter in the study group (study vs. control, mean ± SD, 4.5 ± 2.6 vs. 5.7 ± 2.8, p = 0.027).
- PHGG added to ORS substantially reduced duration of diarrhoea.
- It also enhanced weight gain.
Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum in Reducing Constipation in Long Term Care Facility Residents: A Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial
Chan TC et al. • The journal of nutrition, health & aging (2022)
This study showed that daily dietary fibre supplementation by using PHGG for 4 weeks in LTCF residents results in significantly less laxative use than placebo.
- This study showed that daily dietary fibre supplementation by using PHGG for 4 weeks in LTCF residents results in significantly less laxative use than placebo.
- It may be an effective way to reduce laxative dependence among older people living in LTCFs.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Acute intake of fructooligosaccharide and partially hydrolyzed guar gum on gastrointestinal transit: A randomized crossover clinical trial
da Silva MVT et al. • Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) (2022)
The acute intake of FOS increased gastric emptying, whereas both FOS and PHGG reduced small intestine transit without altering the levels of intestinal hormones, hunger feelings and satiety, or the desire to eat.
- The gastric emptying of the FOS-based diet (84.2 ± 9.4%) within 2 h was statistically increased compared with the placebo and PHGG-based diets (78 ± 10.2% and 74 ± 15.3%, respectively; P < 0.05).
- However, a reduction in small intestinal transit was observed after consumption of both FOS- and PHGG-based diets (28.5 ± 15.56% and 24.2 ± 13.7%, respectively) compared with the placebo diet (41.20 ± 15.4%; P < 0.05).
- The acute intake of FOS increased gastric emptying, whereas both FOS and PHGG reduced small intestine transit without altering the levels of intestinal hormones, hunger feelings and satiety, or the desire to eat.
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum in pediatric functional abdominal pain
Romano C et al. • World journal of gastroenterology (2013)
Although the cause of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders is not known, the results show that complementary therapy with PHGG may have beneficial effects on symptom control.
- Although the cause of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders is not known, the results show that complementary therapy with PHGG may have beneficial effects on symptom control.
- Published in World journal of gastroenterology (2013)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Microbiota benefits after inulin and partially hydrolized guar gum supplementation: a randomized clinical trial in constipated women
Linetzky Waitzberg D et al. • Nutricion hospitalaria (2012)
Consumption of I-PHGG produced clinical results comparable to placebo in constipated females, but had additional protective effects on gut microbiota by decreasing the amount of pathological bacteria of the Clostridium genera.
- Total Clostridium sp significantly decreased in the fiber group (p = 0.046) and increased in the placebo group (p = 0.047).
- Consumption of I-PHGG produced clinical results comparable to placebo in constipated females, but had additional protective effects on gut microbiota by decreasing the amount of pathological bacteria of the Clostridium genera.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Prebiotic Effects of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum on the Composition and Function of the Human Microbiota-Results from the PAGODA Trial
Reider SJ et al. • Nutrients (2020)
The majority of effects disappeared after stopping the prebiotic and most effects tended to be more pronounced in male participants. (4) Conclusions: Herein, we describe novel aspects of the prebiotic PHGG on compositional and functional properties of the healthy human microbiota.
- To gain functional insight, we further studied stool metabolites using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. (3) Results: In healthy subjects, PHGG had significant effects on stool frequency and consistency.
- These effects were paralleled by changes in α- (species evenness) and β-diversity (Bray-Curtis distances), along with increasing abundances of metabolites including butyrate, acetate and various amino acids.
- On a taxonomic level, PHGG intake was associated with a bloom in Ruminococcus, Fusicatenibacter, Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides and a reduction in Roseburia, Lachnospiracea and Blautia.
Potato Preload Mitigated Postprandial Glycemic Excursion in Healthy Subjects: An Acute Randomized Trial
Zhao W et al. • Nutrients (2020)
The combination of HG and HP as double preload resulted in better GR than both single HG or HP preload did.
- Co-preload of partial hydrolyzed guar gum and highly cooked potato (PHG + PHP + R) resulted in improved acute GR in terms of peak glucose value and glycemic excursion compared with either HG preload or HP preload.
- All the meals with preload showed comparable or improved self-reported satiety.
- Within an equicarbohydrate exchange framework, both high-GI and medium-GI potato preload decreased the postprandial glycemic excursion in young healthy female subjects.
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum accelerates colonic transit time and improves symptoms in adults with chronic constipation
Polymeros D et al. • Digestive diseases and sciences (2014)
Four-week PHGG use accelerates colon transit time in patients with chronic constipation, especially in those with slow transit, and improves many of their symptoms including frequency of bowel movements.
- Forty-nine patients received treatment; 39 (80 %) completed the study.
- Treatment significantly reduced colon transit time, from 57.28 ± 39.25 to 45.63 ± 37.27 h (p = 0.026), a reduction more prominent in slow transit patients (from 85.50 ± 27.75 to 63.65 ± 38.11 h, p = 0.016).
- In addition, the number of bowel movements with straining decreased (p < 0.001) and stool form improved (p < 0.001), while days with laxative intake and days with abdominal pain decreased (p = 0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively).