Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG)
Also known as: PHGG, Sunfiber, guar fiber, partially hydrolysed guar gum, Benefiber (guar)
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum is guar bean galactomannan that has been enzymatically shortened so it dissolves clear and non-viscous instead of forming a thick gel. It is fermented gradually throughout the colon and has randomized-trial evidence for constipation in long-term-care residents and for gut comfort in irritable bowel syndrome, typically at 5–6 g per day. Its low viscosity, neutral taste, and low-FODMAP certification make it a popular fiber for daily gut-health powders, meal replacements, and synbiotic formulas.
Research summary
Slowly fermented galactomannan; studied for normalization of stool consistency in both constipation and loose stools, and for increases in butyrate-producing bacteria.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 g | 5–6 g | — | — |
Take 5–6 g daily in water or a beverage; can be split across meals. Effects on stool consistency typically appear over one to four weeks. Tolerance is good and ramp-up is rarely needed.
Standardization: ≥80% dietary fiber (dry basis); low viscosity (typically < 10 mPa·s at 1%)
Source material: guar bean endosperm, enzymatically hydrolyzed
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Neutral taste, dissolves clear; ideal for drink mixes. Gram-level doses make capsules impractical.
Formulation notes
May slow absorption of medications taken simultaneously; advise spacing. Sunfiber is a branded PHGG; generic material is widely available.
Sources
- Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum in Reducing Constipation in Long Term Care Facility Residents: A Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial. (Chan 2022)PubMed
- High-fiber diet supplementation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a multicenter, randomized, open trial comparison between wheat bran diet and partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG). (Parisi 2002)PubMed
- Microbiota benefits after inulin and partially hydrolized guar gum supplementation: a randomized clinical trial in constipated women. (Linetzky Waitzberg 2012)PubMed
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