Guar gum

Studies in people

• Benefit

  Cholesterol levels²

  In people, guar gum lowered total and LDL cholesterol but made no difference to triglycerides or HDL.

• Benefit

  Cholesterol in diabetes³

  In people with type 2 diabetes, guar gum lowered total and LDL cholesterol, but scientists say more research is needed.

• Benefit

  Blood sugar control⁴

  In people, guar gum lowered a long-term blood sugar marker, but scientists say there is not yet enough evidence for guidelines.

• Benefit

  Cholesterol and blood sugar⁵

  Guar gum, a soluble fiber in food, is linked to lower cholesterol and blood sugar in people.

• Benefit

  Stool form and gut bacteria⁶

  In people with loose stools, partially hydrolyzed guar gum improved stool form and raised Bifidobacterium.

• Open question

  Gut transit and appetite⁷

  In people, partially hydrolyzed guar gum slowed small intestine transit but did not change hunger or fullness.

Animal and lab studies only

• Benefit

  Gut bacteria balance⁹

  In lab studies, partially hydrolyzed guar gum helped gut bacteria linked to fewer IBS symptoms grow.

• Open question

  Gut bacteria and digestion¹⁰

  In lab studies, partially hydrolyzed guar gum feeds gut bacteria, but gas and energy output varied widely among six donors.

Study type not stated

• Benefit

  Heart and gut health⁸

  Guar gum is used in food as a thickener and may help with diabetes, bowel movements, heart disease and colon cancer.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.