Products
Guar is commercially available as powder and granules (e.g., Optifibre, Provisan Guar). It is present in numerous processed products.
Structure and properties
Guar (Cyamopsidis seminis pulvis) is obtained from the seeds of the guar plant (Fabaceae), native to India, by grinding the endosperm and consists primarily of guar galactomannan. Guar exists as a white or nearly white powder and is almost odorless. When dissolved in water, a mucilage of varying viscosity is formed. Guargalactomannan consists of polysaccharides composed of D-galactose and D-mannose – hence the term galacto-mannan. It is obtained from guar by partial hydrolysis. Guargalactomannan is a yellowish white powder that is soluble in cold and warm water, unlike guar. Partially hydrolyzed guar is also referred to as PHGG (partially hydrolyzed guar gum).
Effects
Guar (ATC A10BX01) has swelling, emulsion-stabilizing, thickening, viscosity-increasing, and lipid-lowering properties. It binds fluid, delays gastric emptying, and increases satiety. Guar slows the absorption of carbohydrates and lowers blood sugar spikes after meals. Since it is not digested, it passes into the large intestine where it increases stool volume, retains fluid, and results in softer stools that are beneficial for hemorrhoids, for example. Guar supports both the intestinal flora and the intestinal mucosa. The intestinal bacteria form short-chain fatty acids from guar, which serve as food for the intestinal cells. This is referred to as a prebiotic.
Areas of application
- For the prevention and treatment of constipation. Guar can also be taken in case of diarrhea.
- For the regulation of bowel movements in hemorrhoids.
- As a support for the treatment of overweight and obesity.
- To reduce postprandial blood sugar spikes in diabetes mellitus (type I and II).
- Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or diarrhea.
- In the food industry, for example, for the production of salad dressings, low-calorie foods, ice cream and soups.
- Pharmaceutical excipient, as a binder for tablets, as a stabilizer for ointments.
Dosage
According to the package insert. The advantage of products with guargalactomannan / PHGG is that they are soluble in water, unlike other dietary fibers. In addition, they are odorless and tasteless and can therefore be added to food. Sufficient liquid should be consumed during the treatment.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Dysphagia
- Stenoses and obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Guar flour should be taken one hour apart from other medications as a precaution because it may affect absorption. Adjustment of the dose of antidiabetic drugs may be necessary if the patient has diabetes.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances such as flatulence, bloating, gastric pressure, nausea, and diarrhea.
