EFFECTS OF A PARTIALLY HYDROLYZED GUAR GUM ON INTESTINAL-ABSORPTION OF CARBOHYDRATE, PROTEIN AND FAT - A DOUBLE-BLIND CONTROLLED-STUDY IN VOLUNTEERS

Some dietary fibres have been shown to affect the rate of absorption o f dietary carbohydrate, protein and fat as well as exocrine pancreatic function. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of partially hydrolysed guar gum (BENEFlBER(R)), on normal absorption of glucose, amino acid (arginine) and fat. In addition hepatic, pancreatic, renal and haematological side effects were evaluated. Methods: A double blin d, randomized and cross-over design was used. Each subject served as i ts own control. Ten healthy male volunteers participated in the study. Each subject was randomly assigned to two different dietary regimes f or a period of 7 days each. The study was repeated with the other diet for another 7-day period after an interval of at least 1 week. In one study period the subjects took liquid formula diet without fibre and during the other study period they took the same diet with fibre. Resu lts: The results of the study demonstrated that BENEFlBER(R) did appar ently not interfere with the normal absorption of glucose, amino acid and fat. In keeping with these observations, insulin release and exocr ine pancreatic function were not affected. Haematological, renal and h epatic toxicity were not observed in association with BENEFlBER(R) con sumption. Conclusion: We conclude that BENEFIBER(R) is a safe source o f soluble fibre.