Effect of guar gum on gastric emptying after gastric resection

A double-blind, controlled study compared the effects of the addition of 5 g of guar gum or a placebo (wheat flour) to a conventional semi-solid meal on gastric emptying in 11 age-matched patients (4 females, 7 males; ages 38-70). All patients had had gastric resection surgery and were experiencing common post-surgery dumping syndrome. Eight of the patients had a longer gastric transit time (MGTT) following the guar gum meal than the placebo meal, with 5 of these having a markedly longer MGTT (slower gastric emptying). Hence, guar gum addition to meals (particularly those rich in carbohydrate) may enhance nutrient uptake in such patients by slowing gastric transport. Radioisotopic labeling was used to assess MGTT. (wz)