Guar gum is produced from the seed of the guar plant. Fiber is extracted from the plant that can be used for laxative purposes and to ease the symptoms of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation, as well as to treat high cholesterol and diabetes. Among other applications, guar gum is also used to thicken certain types of food and cosmetic products.
Guar Plant and Properties
The guar plant is an annual plant that can grow in very dry regions and is found mostly in the west and northwest parts of India and certain areas in Pakistan. The plant requires 14 to 16 weeks of growing in warm weather and is usually harvested in late October and the early parts of November. According to G.M. Associates, guar gum extraction was approved for commercial use in the United States in 1953. Minimum standards for guar gum quality in the United States and European Union are 14 percent maximum moisture, 1.5 percent maximum concentration of ash, 4 percent maximum levels of insoluble acid residue, 75 percent minimum galactomannan, 7 percent minimum concentration of protein, three parts per million maximum levels of arsenic, maximum 10 ppm of lead and maximum 50 ppm of copper and zinc.
Applications
Guar gum is used in to stabilize and thicken foods such as soups and sauces and as a preservative and lubricant for meats. It is also used for bakery items to help retain moisture, in desserts such as puddings for gelling purposes, and even in certain types of pet foods as a binding agent. Guar gum is also used in drilling oil to help reduce water loss and to help stabilize mud. In addition, it is used in explosives for water-proofing purposes and in paper manufacturing for a thicker surface.
Side Effects and Precautions
When used to treat symptoms of diarrhea, IBS and constipation, guar gum is considered safe, according to WebMD. However, users of guar gum may experience minor side effects that include excess gas, diarrhea and loose bowel movements. In high doses and in cases when not enough water is taken with a dosage, guar gum can obstruct the esophagus and the intestines. Guar gum appears to be safe in pregnant women, but there are not enough tests available to determine whether it's passed through breast milk, so women who are breast-feeding are advised to avoid taking guar gum. In addition, anyone having surgery is advised to stop taking guar gum at least two weeks prior to the surgery date as guar gum may interfere with blood glucose levels.
Doses and Interaction
When gum for medicinal purposes, there are specific, scientifically researched doses depending on the ailment. Those who suffer from constipation should begin by taking 4 g a day and gradually increase to a maximum of 12 g a day. Those using guar gum to treat diabetes and high cholesterol should take 15 g per day, and IBS sufferers should take 5 g of hydrolyzed guar gum which has been specially treated to dissolve in liquids. Interactions with guar gum include ethinyl estradol which is an estrogen product, diabetes medications, metformin, penicillin and lanoxin. Anyone taking these medications should consult a doctor prior to using guar gum.
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