Background

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. br/>

Safety Safety definitions

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.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

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.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

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.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Calcium: Guar gum might reduce how quickly the body absorbs calcium. Taking guar gum along with calcium supplements might reduce the effects of calcium.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.