The physiological and rheological effects of foods supplemented with guar gum

The high molecular weight polysaccharide Guar gum has a plethora of uses in the food, pharmaceutical and paint industries. This polysaccharide is also employed as a dietary fibre, but the quantity used in food is limited due to its viscous properties. Guar gum may be modified enzymatically or chemically to reduce its molecular weight and by extension its viscosity. This modification though is believed to reduce its physiological efficacy, for example the attenuation of postprandial glycemia. However, a number of studies have shown the viscosity effects alone of this fibre in vitro and in vivo is not always correlated with blunted glycemia. The absolute mechanisms behind the benefits seen with guar gum consumption are not known and studies have shown factors such as food composition, food matrix and food and fibre processing conditions may all play a significant role.