[Partially hydrolyzed guar gum: a fiber as coadjuvant in the irritable colon syndrome].
OBJECTIVE
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble dietary fiber, possessing non-gelling properties. The objective of this clinical experience was to evaluate the progress of symptoms and the modifications in the frequency of evacuation in subjects affected by IBS and regularly taking PHGG.


METHODS
The group was made up of 134 out-patients of both sexes, average age 43.12, suffering from IBS, both obese and of normal weigh, with a mean number of weekly evacuations between 2 and 35. The subjects, divided in 2 groups on the basis of Body Mass Index (BMI), were submitted for 24 weeks to a balanced, low or normal calorie diet supplemented by 5 g a day of PHGG. The following information was gathered: number of weekly evacuation, typical symptoms of IBS, cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels. In a few subjects (n. = 34) also the plasmatic electrolyte levels, before and during PHGG intake, were evaluated.


RESULTS
Both groups showed positive results in the evacuation frequency (p < 0.01 at 12th week) and a decrease, after 3 weeks of PHGG intake, in frequency of IBS symptoms such as flatulence (-55.6%), abdominal tension (-4.7%) and abdominal spasm (-35%). On the other hand an increased number of subjects showed normal levels of cholesterol (+12.2%), lipids (+26.9%) and glucose (+16%). Concentrations of plasmatic electrolytes didn't change during PHGG intake, except for a marked increase of selenium levels, compared to pre-intake levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The observations obtained from this clinical experience reassert that dietary fiber supplementation is useful in cases of altered intestinal motility. PHGG, due to its water-solubility and non-gelling properties, can be useful also in IBS.
Giaccari
S
S
Divisione di Gastroenterologia, Presidio Ospedaliero S. Caterina Novella, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Le/1, Via Roma, 73013 Galatina LE.
Grasso
G
G
Tronci
S
S
Allegretta
L
L
Sponziello
G
G
Montefusco
A
A
Siciliano
I G
IG
Guarisco
R
R
Candiani
C
C
Chiri
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000178:diet therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005685:Galactans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D008297:Male; D008351:Mannans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D053149:Plant Gums
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005685:Galactans; D008351:Mannans; D053149:Plant Gums; C007894:guar gum