Guar gum is a gel-forming fiber from the seed of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). It's used to thicken foods and is also used as a dietary supplement.
Guar gum helps normalize the moisture content of the stool, absorbing excess liquid in those with diarrhea, and softening the stool in those with constipation. It also might help decrease the amount of cholesterol and sugar that is absorbed in the gut.
People use guar gum for constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It is also used for obesity, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Don't confuse guar gum with guarana or guarumo. These are not the same.
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Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Constipation. Taking guar gum by mouth seems to relieve constipation in some adults and children.
- Diarrhea. Taking guar gum by mouth might help reduce diarrhea in adults and children.
- High cholesterol. Taking guar gum by mouth, alone or with other dietary fibers, might help reduce cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.
- High blood pressure. Taking guar gum by mouth might slightly reduce blood pressure.
- A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Taking guar gum by mouth might reduce stomach pain and improve bowel function in people with IBS.
- Obesity. Taking guar gum by mouth doesn't seem to help people with obesity lose weight.
There is interest in using guar gum for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth Guar gum is likely safe for most people when used for up to two years. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include bloating and gas.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Guar gum is possibly safe when taken by mouth during pregnancy for up to 4 weeks.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if guar gum is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Guar gum is possibly safe when taken by mouth in children 4 years of age and older.
Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction: Don't take guar gum if you have a condition that causes obstruction or narrowing of your esophagus or intestine.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Some people worry that guar gum can decrease how much digoxin the body absorbs. But this does not seem to be a serious concern.
Ethinyl estradiol
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Ethinyl estradiol is a form of estrogen that's in some estrogen products and birth control pills. Guar gum might decrease how much ethinyl estradiol the body absorbs. Taking guar gum along with estrogen-containing medicines might decrease the effects of estrogen.
Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Guar gum contains fiber. Taking guar gum at the same time as medications taken by mouth can affect how much medication the body absorbs. To prevent this interaction, take guar gum about 1 hour after medications taken by mouth.
Metformin (Glucophage)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Guar gum can decrease how much metformin the body absorbs. Taking guar gum along with metformin can decrease the effects of metformin.
Penicillin
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Guar gum can decrease how much penicillin the body absorbs. Taking guar gum along with penicillin can decrease the effects of penicillin.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Guar gum has most often been used by adults in doses of 5-7 grams by mouth three times daily with meals for up to 2 years. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Cyamopsis psoraloides, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, Dietary Fiber, Dolichos psoraloides, Farine de Guar, Fibre Alimentaire, Goma Guar, Gomme de Guar, Gomme de Jaguar, Guar Flour, Indian Cluster Bean, Indian Guar Plant, Jaguar Gum, Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum, PHGG, Psoralea tetragonoloba.
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