Influence of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on constipation in women.
A partially hydrolyzed guar gum preparation (PHGG, average molecular weight: 20,000), obtained as a water-soluble dietary fiber by digestion of guar gum with beta-D-endomannanase, was administered as a beverage (11 g a day, bid) to 15 constipated women for 3 weeks. Defecating frequency, pH, weight, moisture, and bacterial flora of the feces were investigated and compared with the control periods. Average total dietary fiber taken from food was 9.7 +/- 0.1 g/day during the experiment. PHGG caused an increase in the defecating frequency from 0.46 +/- 0.05 (frequency/day, M +/- SE) to 0.63 +/- 0.05. Fecal moisture significantly increased from 69.1% in the control period to 73.8% by ingestion of PHGG. Fecal moisture content also increased consistent with lowering the pH of feces (r = -0.478). The frequency of Lactobacillus spp. occurrence in feces significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with the control period. These results clearly indicate that PHGG softens and improves the output of feces.
Takahashi
H
H
Central Research Laboratories, Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd., Yokkaichi, Japan.
Wako
N
N
Okubo
T
T
Ishihara
N
N
Yamanaka
J
J
Yamamoto
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005685:Galactans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D006868:Hydrolysis; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008351:Mannans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D053149:Plant Gums
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005685:Galactans; D008351:Mannans; D053149:Plant Gums; C007894:guar gum