Optimized production and characterization of endo-ß-mannanase by Aspergillus niger for generation of prebiotic mannooligosaccharides from guar gum.

Optimized production of Aspergillus niger ATCC 26011 endo-ß-mannanase (ManAn) on copra meal resulted in 2.46-fold increase (10,028 U/gds). Purified ManAn (47 kDa) showed high affinity towards guar gum (GG) as compared to konjac gum and locust bean gum with Km 2.67, 3.25 and 4.07 mg/mL, respectively. ManAn efficiently hydrolyzed GG and liberated mannooligosaccharides (MOS). Changes occurring in the rheological and compositional aspects of GG studied using Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed increased thermal stability and crystallinity of the partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG). Parametric optimization of the time and temperature dependent hydrolysis of GG (1% w/v) with 100 U/mL of ManAn at 60 °C and pH: 5.0 resulted in 12.126 mg/mL of mannotetraose (M4) in 5 min. Enhanced growth of probiotics Lactobacilli and production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) that inhibited enteropathogens, confirmed the prebiotic potential of PHGG and M4.

Improving Intestinal Barrier Function in Sepsis by Partially Hydrolysed Guar Gum via the Suppression of the NF-κB/MLCK Pathway.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) protects against intestinal barrier dysfunction and can ameliorate some intestinal diseases. However, whether PHGG has a role in protecting intestinal barrier function (IBF) during sepsis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role and probable mechanism of PHGG in the intestinal mucosa in sepsis. A rat sepsis model was constructed using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). FITC-dextran 4 (FD-4) flux, serum inflammatory mediator levels, tight junction (TJ) levels, jejunum mucosa pathology, and epithelial intercellular junction ultrastructure were monitored to evaluate the effect of PHGG on IBF. Caco-2 monolayers were used to study the impact and mechanism of PHGG on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced barrier dysfunction in vitro. The expression of zonula occludens protein-1 and occludin and the location of P65 were studied by immunofluorescence. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and myosin light chain kinase 3 (MLCK) pathway-related protein expression was verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or western blotting. The results indicated that the jejunal mucosa structure was destroyed, the villi were disrupted and shortened, and neutrophil infiltration was evident in the septic rats. Compared to Sham group, spetic rats had increased Chiu's score, serum inflammatory mediator levels, and FD-4 flux but decreased TJ and gap junction density. In addition, the expression of MLCK, p-MLC, and TJ proteins and the expression of P65 in the nucleus were increased in septic rats. Furthermore, compared to those in the Control group, LPS-treated Caco-2 cells showed lower cell viability and transepithelial electrical resistance, while had higher FD-4 flux and the expression of MLCK, p-MLC, TJ proteins and P65 in the nucleus. PHGG pretreatment reversed the above effects induced by CLP or LPS treatment. Moreover, SN50, an NF-κB inhibitor, attenuated the above effects of LPS on Caco-2 cells. Overall, PHGG reduced inflammation, increased TJ protein expression and localization, and relieved damage to the TJ structure and intestinal permeability through suppression of the NF-κB/MLCK pathway. This study provides new insights into the role of PHGG in sepsis therapy.

Changes in intestinal microbiota and biochemical parameters in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome induced by the prolonged addition of soluble fibers to usual drug therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a soluble dietary fiber;in addition to improving bowel movements, it maintains intestinal health by producing short-chain fatty acids. However, majority of clinical studies on PHGG have been concluded within a month and excluded usual drug therapy. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effects of long-term consumption of PHGG, in combination with drug therapy, on gut bacteria ratios, laboratory values for inflammatory response, and fecal characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was performed in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC), by the administration of PHGG for six months while they continued their usual treatment. PHGG treatment caused significant changes in patients with IBS, including an increase in the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, a significant decrease in Bacteroides abundance, and normalization of the Bristol scale of stool. In patients with UC, non-significant normalization of soft stools and decrease in fecal calprotectin were observed. Adverse events were not observed in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Thus, it would be beneficial to include PHGG in the usual drug therapies of patients with IBS. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 121-128, February, 2024.

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.

The consumption of functional foods in a daily diet is a promising approach for the maintenance of cognitive health. The present study examines the effects of water-soluble prebiotic dietary-fiber, partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), on cognitive function and mental health in healthy elderly individuals. Participants consumed either 5 g/day of PHGG or a placebo daily for 12 weeks in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group study. An assessment of cognitive functions, sleep quality, and subjective mood evaluations was performed at baseline and after 8 and 12 weeks of either PHGG or placebo intake. 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. No significant differences were observed in mood parameters between the groups. Vigor-activity scores were significantly improved, while the scores for Confusion-Bewilderment decreased significantly in the PHGG group when compared to the baseline. 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).

Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum Intake Supports the Gut Microbiota and Attenuates Inflammation during Influenza H1N1 Virus Infection in Mice.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a soluble dietary fiber that is effective for defecation control. It influences the gut microbiota, by which it is metabolized to yield short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and it was also recently shown to protect against influenza infection in humans. We here investigated the effects of PHGG in a mouse model of influenza H1N1 virus infection. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed normal chow with or without PHGG (500 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks, infected with H1N1 at 10 weeks of age, and analyzed at 12 weeks of age. Administration of PHGG attenuated the decline in body weight induced by H1N1 infection without affecting food intake. It also ameliorated intestinal atrophy and increased the production of SCFAs including acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in the cecum, thereby preventing the inhibitory effect of H1N1 infection on SCFA production. The H1N1-induced increases in the serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines including interferon-γ and interleukin-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin-10 were all inhibited by PHGG intake. In addition, PHGG administration attenuated inflammatory gene expression in the lung and promoted both natural killer cell activity and regulatory T-cell differentiation in the spleen. Our findings suggest that the consumption of PHGG may improve the gut environment and thereby limit the inflammatory response to H1N1 infection. They may thus provide the basis for novel dietary intervention strategies to suppress the excessive inflammation associated with virus infection.

Effects of partially hydrolyzed guar gums of different molecular weights on a human intestinal in vitro fermentation model.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gums (PHGGs) are prebiotic soluble dietary fibers. High molecular-weight PHGGs have rapid fermentation and high short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) productivity rates, compared to low molecular-weight PHGGs. Therefore, low molecular-weight PHGGs may have less pronounced prebiotic effects than high molecular-weight PHGGs. However, the effects of PHGGs of different molecular weights on the human intestinal microbiota, as well as their fermentation ability and prebiotic effects, have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two PHGGs of different molecular weights, Sunfiber-R (SF-R; 20 kDa) and Sunfiber-V (SF-V; 5 kDa), on human colonic microbiota and SCFA production. A human intestinal in vitro fermentation model was operated by fecal samples with and without the PHGGs. The addition of 0.2% SF-R or SF-V increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides spp., especially that of Bacteroides uniformis. This increase corresponded to a significant (p = 0.030) and non-significant (p = 0.073) increase in propionate production in response to SF-R and SF-V addition, respectively. Both fibers increased the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and stimulated an increase in the abundance of unclassified Lachnospiraceae and Bifidobacterium. In conclusion, the low molecular-weight PHGG exerted prebiotic effects on human colonic microbiota to increase SCFA production and bacteria that are beneficial to human health in a manner similar to that of the high molecular-weight forms of PHGG.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum is associated with improvement in gut health, sleep, and motivation among healthy subjects.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum dietary fiber is well recognized for a number of health benefits. In the present study, we aim to investigate the effects of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on constipation, intestinal microbiota as well as mental health in healthy subjects. In the randomized, parallel, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study the enrolled healthy men and women volunteers took either 3 g/day (T3) or 5 g/day (T5) of dietary fiber intakes for eight consecutive weeks compared to placebo (T0). The fecal characteristics, fecal microbiota, defecation characteristics, and quality of life (QOL) questionnaire were investigated. The results revealed a significant suppression in fecal potent harmful mucolytic bacteria in the T3 and T5 groups compared to the T0 group. The defecation frequency, excretory feeling, and scores of sleep and motivation questionnaire were also improved in the dietary fiber intake groups, showing a significant difference in the T5 group compared to the T0 group. In summary, the consumption of partially hydrolyzed guar gum dietary fiber is found effective in suppressing the potent harmful mucolytic bacteria that could be associated with the improvement of constipation-related symptoms including mental health in terms of sleep and motivation among the healthy subjects.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum upregulates heat shock protein 27 in intestinal Caco-2 cells and mouse intestine via mTOR and ERK signaling.

BACKGROUND: The intestinal epithelium acts as a barrier against harmful luminal materials, thus preventing intestinal diseases and maintaining intestinal health. Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) promotes intestinal epithelial integrity under both physiological and stressed conditions. The effects of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) on HSP27 expression in intestinal Caco-2 cells and mouse intestines were investigated. RESULTS: The present study showed that PHGG upregulated HSP27 expression in Caco-2 cells without upregulating Hspb1, the gene encoding HSP27. Feeding PHGG increased HSP25 expression in epithelial cells of the small intestine of mice. Inhibition of protein translation using cycloheximide suppressed PHGG-mediated HSP27 expression, indicating that PHGG upregulated HSP27 via translational modulation. Signaling inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and phosphatidyl 3-inositol kinase reduced PHGG-mediated HSP27 expression, whereas mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibition by U0126 increased HSP27 expression, irrespective of PHGG administration. PHGG increases mTOR phosphorylation and reduces extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: PHGG-mediated translation of HSP27 in intestinal Caco-2 cells and mouse intestine via the mTOR and ERK signaling pathways may promote intestinal epithelial integrity. These findings help us better understand how dietary fibers regulate the physiological function of the intestines. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on the expression of aquaporin-3 in the colon.

In recent years, the development of functional foods targeting gastrointestinal disorders has been in progress. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), which is a water-soluble dietary fiber, is known to have a constipation-improving effect. However, many aspects of the mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of aquaporin-3 (AQP3), which regulates the water content of feces in ameliorative effect of PHGG on constipation. Rats were allowed to freely consume a normal diet or a diet containing 5% PHGG for 14 days, and defecation parameters were measured. We also analyzed the expression levels of genes involved in water transport in the colon. The defecation frequency and volume of rats treated with PHGG were not different from those from the control group, but the fecal water content was significantly increased, and soft stools were observed. The expressions of claudin-1, tight junction protein-1, and cadherin-1, which are involved in tight junctions or adherens junctions, were almost the same in the PHGG-treated group and the control group. The expression level of AQP3 in the colon was significantly decreased in the PHGG-treated group. In this study, PHGG decreased the colonic AQP3 expression, thereby suppressing water transport from the luminal side to the vascular side and improving constipation.

Effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on the composition and metabolic function of the intestinal flora of healthy mice.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), a water-soluble dietary fiber, has shown beneficial physiological effects in various disease models and is used as a prebiotic to regulate intestinal function. However, its role in healthy states remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of PHGG on gut flora composition and predict metabolic function in healthy mice. Our study showed that PHGG supplementation had significant duration-dependent effects on the composition and function of the intestinal flora of healthy mice. In specific, although the long-term supplementation of PHGG may increase the abundance of some beneficial bacterial species and promote beneficial phenotypes, it may also cause increased body weight and decreased abundance and diversity of gut microorganisms. Therefore, the long-term use of PHGG as a nutritional product still requires further investigation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: As the importance of the gut microbiota has become more widely recognized, interventions that modulate the microbiome and its interaction with the host have gained much attention. While the capability of some prebiotics has largely been shown to have many beneficial effects, the evidence leaves much desirable, and microbiota regulation is explored differently in healthy or diseased states. Currently, the scientific community and regulatory authorities are beginning to pay attention to these unregulated and over-the-counter products claiming to possess probiotic and prebiotic properties. Studies exploring the rationality of these prebiotics as nutraceuticals for use in health states are essential. This study focuses on the effects of PHGG, a prebiotic, on intestinal flora, metabolism, and function when used in a healthy state over a long period. It is helpful to have a clearer understanding of the effect of PHGG on intestinal flora and the possible mechanisms of action to exert effects, which are indicative for the future application of PHGG as a nutraceutical or therapeutic agent..

LPS-induced TNF-α production is attenuated by intake with PHGG via gut microbial fermentation in mice.

OBJECTIVES: Intake of dietary fibers promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can affect host inflammation via gut microbial fermentation. Although partially hydrolyzed guar-gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble dietary fiber with lower viscosity, its benefits in acute inflammation are yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PHGG intake on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. METHODS: Nine-wk-old male C3 H/HeN mice were used in this study, and they were randomly divided into control diet (CD) and CD + 5% PHGG (GGCD) groups. After a dietary intervention of 6 wk, LPS (1 mg/kg) was injected into the orbital vein. Plasma TNF-α concentration and SCFAs in cecum contents were then measured. Also, the effect of gut microbiota on LPS-induced TNF-α production was evaluated in PHGG-fed mice before and after antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: PHGG intake accelerated a dramatic suppression of LPS-induced TNF-α production (P < 0.01). PHGG-induced low pH in feces (P < 0.05) indicates that the gut microbiota induced high fermentation. Indeed, SCFAs in cecum contents of GGCD mice were significantly higher than in the CD group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PHGG intake after antibiotic treatment did not induce the suppression of TNF-α. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that inflammation was inhibited by habitual PHGG ingestion, suggesting that this phenomenon might be associated with changes in gut microbiota-induced SCFAs production.

Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum Suppresses the Development of Sarcopenic Obesity.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a soluble dietary fiber derived through controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of guar gum, a highly viscous galactomannan derived from the seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. Here, we examined the therapeutic potential of dietary supplementation with PHGG against sarcopenic obesity using Db/Db mice. Db/Db mice fed a normal diet alone or a fiber-free diet, or supplemented with a diet containing PHGG (5%), were examined. PHGG increased grip strength and the weight of skeletal muscles. PHGG increased the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration in feces and sera. Concerning innate immunity, PHGG decreased the ratio of inflammatory cells, while increasing the ratio of anti-inflammatory cells in the small intestine. The present study demonstrated the preventive effect of PHGG on sarcopenic obesity. Changes in nutrient absorption might be involved through the promotion of an anti-inflammatory shift of innate immunity in the intestine accompanied by an increase in SCFA production by PHGG.

Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum in Reducing Constipation in Long Term Care Facility Residents: A Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) in improving constipation and reducing the use of laxatives among long term care facility (LTCF) residents. DESIGN: A single-center, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded parallel-group trial from September 2021 to November 2021. SETTING: Four LTCF in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two LTCF residents with chronic constipation (mean age: 83.9±7.6 years, male 38%). INTERVENTION: 5g PHGG mixed with 200ml water per day for 4 weeks was given to intervention group participants. Control group received 200ml water for 4 weeks. Participants continued their usual as-needed laxative (lactulose, senna or dulcolax) on their own initiative. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline measurements included age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, Roackwood's Clinical Frailty Scale, body mass index and daily dietary fiber intake. Outcome measures were fecal characteristics assessed by Bristol Stool Form Scale, bowel opening frequency and laxative use frequency at baseline, first, second, third and fourth week of trial. Adverse events were measured. The study was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov; identifier: NCT05037565. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in bowel frequency and stool characteristics between the treatment group and control group. However, there was a significantly lower frequency of lactulose, senna, and total laxative use in the treatment group compared with controls in the third and fourth week. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups. CONCLUSION: 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.

Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum Modulates Gut Microbiota, Regulates the Levels of Neurotransmitters, and Prevents CUMS-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice.

SCOPE: Depression is the leading cause of disability around the world; however, most antidepressants have drug tolerance and serious side effects. In this study, it is explored whether partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a safe food that exhibits protection in a mouse model of depression. METHODS AND RESULTS: PHGG is orally administered to mice with depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in two animal experiments (prevention trial and intervention trial) to characterize the potentially protective effect of PHGG. The results in the prevention trial show that PHGG significantly inhibits the loss of body weight, and prevents CUMS-induced depressive-like behavior in mice. The beneficial effects may be associated with PHGG modulating the gut microbiota structure and then increasing the levels of short-chain fatty acids in mice feces and the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in serum, striatum, and hippocampus. Besides, PHGG in the intervention trial is less effective than that in the prevention trial, but it may have a synergistic effect on improving depression with fluoxetine. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that moderate daily intake of PHGG can contribute to relieving depressive-like behavior.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum attenuates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice through the gut-liver axis.

BACKGROUND: The gut-liver axis has attracted much interest in the context of chronic liver disease pathogenesis. Prebiotics such as dietary fibers were shown to attenuate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by modulating gut microbiota. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), a water-soluble dietary fiber, has been reported to alleviate the symptoms of various intestinal diseases and metabolic syndromes. However, its effects on NAFLD remain to be fully elucidated. AIM: To determine whether treatment with PHGG attenuates NAFLD development in mice through the gut-liver axis. METHODS: Seven-week-old male C57BL/6J mice with increased intestinal permeability were fed a control or atherogenic (Ath) diet (a mouse model of NAFLD) for 8 wk, with or without 5% PHGG. Increased intestinal permeability was induced through chronic intermittent administration of low-dose dextran sulfate sodium. Body weight, liver weight, macroscopic findings in the liver, blood biochemistry [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acids, and glucose levels], liver histology, myeloperoxidase activity in liver tissue, mRNA expression in the liver and intestine, serum endotoxin levels in the portal vein, intestinal permeability, and microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles in the cecal samples were investigated. RESULTS: Mice with increased intestinal permeability subjected to the Ath diet showed significantly increased serum AST and ALT levels, liver fat accumulation, liver inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemotactic protein-1) and fibrogenic (collagen 1a1 and α smooth muscle actin) marker levels, and liver myeloperoxidase activity, which were significantly attenuated by PHGG treatment. Furthermore, the Ath diet combined with increased intestinal permeability resulted in elevated portal endotoxin levels and activated toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and TLR9 expression, confirming that intestinal permeability was significantly elevated, as observed by evaluating the lumen-to-blood clearance of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran. PHGG treatment did not affect fatty acid metabolism in the liver. However, it decreased lipopolysaccharide signaling through the gut-liver axis. In addition, it significantly increased the abundance of cecal Bacteroides and Clostridium subcluster XIVa. Treatment with PHGG markedly increased the levels of SCFAs, particularly, butyric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and formic acid, in the cecal samples. CONCLUSION: PHGG partially prevented NAFLD development in mice through the gut-liver axis by modulating microbiota and downstream SCFA profiles.

The effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on preventing influenza infection.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Seasonal influenza infection in hospitals is a serious problem, and infection prevention is important. We examined retrospectively the effect of prebiotics using partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) in the prevention of influenza infection. METHODS: Among the patients who were admitted to Hokusei Hospital between April 2017 and March 2019, 522 patients consuming food orally (492 in the convalescent rehabilitation ward and 30 in the long-term care ward) were included in this single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups: a group continuously taking PHGG (PHGG group; 172 patients in the convalescent rehabilitation ward and 16 patients in the long-term care ward) and a group not taking PHGG (non-PHGG group; 320 patients in the convalescent rehabilitation ward and 14 patients in the long-term care ward). The incidence of influenza during hospitalization, stool pH, and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSS) at 2 months after admission (2 months after the start of PHGG intake in the PHGG group) were compared between the two groups. In addition, stool pH and BSS were compared between patients who developed influenza and those who did not. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients developed influenza. These patients were from the non-PHGG group (12 in the convalescent rehabilitation ward and 12 in the long-term care ward), with a significant difference in the incidence of influenza between these two sub-groups (p < 0.001). The non-PHGG group had more patients with high stool pH (90th percentile or higher) (p = 0.097, not clinically significant, in the convalescent rehabilitation ward and p < 0.001 in the long-term care ward). This group also had more patients with very poor BSS (score 1 or 7) (p = 0.045 in the convalescent rehabilitation ward and p < 0.001 in the long-term care ward). In addition, patients with influenza onset had high stool pH and very poor BSS regardless of their wards. CONCLUSION: The incidence of influenza was found to be different between patients with and without taking PHGG. Stool pH and BSS were different between patients with and without PHGG intake and those with and without influenza onset, suggesting that PHGG can affect the intestinal environment and thus contribute to reducing the incidence of influenza.

Fibers in pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders. Practical considerations from clinical cases.

Introduction: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in children and incur high direct and indirect social costs. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a natural and water-soluble dietary fiber that is derived from guar gum. It has been proposed as complementary therapy in pediatric FGIDs, especially in chronic functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.Areas covered: By focusing on four clinical cases, this article illustrates the use of PHGG fiber as sole supplement ingredient or as a formula component in orally- and tube-fed children suffering from malnutrition due to FGIDs, with or without special medical conditions such as neurological disability. The formula used was a whey peptide-based nutritionally complete formula containing PHGG as a source of soluble dietary fiber. It was offered under medical supervision and after full consideration of all feeding options.Expert opinion: Implementing appropriate feeding behaviors, adapted to age and potential comorbidities, is an essential requisite for therapeutic management of FGIDs. The use of a PHGG supplement or a nutritionally complete formula containing PHGG as a source of soluble dietary fiber can be helpful to manage pediatric FGIDs.

Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum Supplementation on Diarrhea Frequency and Gut Microbiome Count Among Pelvic Radiation Patients.

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy is the treatment of pelvic cancers, with diarrhea often being the most frequent acute side effect. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) usage in reducing radiotherapy-induced diarrhea and improving bacterial count, nutrition status, and quality of life (QoL) among cancer patients. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing pelvic radiation were recruited and randomly assigned to receive supplementation of either 10 g of PHGG or placebo (maltodextrin) twice daily, 14 days prior and 14 days during pelvic radiation. Diarrhea frequency, fecal samples, nutrition status, and QoL were assessed at baseline and days 14, 28 (2 weeks after pelvic radiation), and 45 (at the completion of pelvic radiation, 2 weeks' postsupplementation). RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (mean age 56.5 ± 10.8 years, 75% malnourished) participated. The mean of diarrhea frequency in the intervention group (IG) was higher compared with the control group (CG) from days 14 and 28 but reduced at day 45. There was a significant intervention effect after controlling for confounders (ie, baseline diarrhea, age, nutrition status) (P < .05). Bifidobacterium count increased by double among the IG at 14 days of PHGG supplementation, whereas such trend was not observed in the CG. CONCLUSION: 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.

Potato Preload Mitigated Postprandial Glycemic Excursion in Healthy Subjects: An Acute Randomized Trial.

This study investigated the preload effect of the medium and high glycemic index (GI) potato, as well as the combination of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (HG) and potato, when ingested prior to a rice meal, on the iso-carbohydrate basis. In a randomized crossover trial, 17 healthy female subjects consumed (1) rice; (2) co-ingestion of highly cooked potato (HP), and rice (HP + R); (3) co-ingestion of minimally cooked potato (MP) and rice (MP + R); (4) preload HP prior to rice meal (PHP + R); (5) preload MP prior to rice meal (PMP + R); (6) co-ingestion of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (HG), HP and rice (HG + HP + R); (7) preload HG prior to co-ingestion of HP and rice (PHG + HP + R); (8) co-preload of HG and HP prior to rice (PHG + PHP + R); and (9) preload of HP prior to co-ingestion of HG and rice (PHP + HG + R). Postprandial glycemic response (GR) tests and subjective satiety tests were conducted for each test food. Cooked potato as a preload to a rice meal could significantly cut the acute postprandial glycemic excursion by around 1.0 mmol/L, irrespective of the GI of the preload. 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. The combination of HG and HP as double preload resulted in better GR than both single HG or HP preload did.

Prebiotic Effects of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum on the Composition and Function of the Human Microbiota-Results from the PAGODA Trial.

(1) Background: Alterations in the structural composition of the human gut microbiota have been identified in various disease entities along with exciting mechanistic clues by reductionist gnotobiotic modeling. Improving health by beneficially modulating an altered microbiota is a promising treatment approach. Prebiotics, substrates selectively used by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit, are broadly used for dietary and clinical interventions. Herein, we sought to investigate the microbiota-modelling effects of the soluble fiber, partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG). (2) Methods: We performed a 9 week clinical trial in 20 healthy volunteers that included three weeks of a lead-in period, followed by three weeks of an intervention phase, wherein study subjects received 5 g PHGG up to three times per day, and concluding with a three-week washout period. A stool diary was kept on a daily basis, and clinical data along with serum/plasma and stool samples were collected on a weekly basis. PHGG-induced alterations of the gut microbiota were studied by 16S metagenomics of the V1-V3 and V3-V4 regions. 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 ß-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. 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.