Tag: Guar fiber

Derived from the endosperm of the guar bean, both guar gum and guar fiber originate from the same plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), yet they serve distinct purposes due to a critical difference in their processing. While guar gum is known for its high viscosity and gelling properties, guar fiber undergoes partial hydrolysis to make it less viscous. This fundamental distinction dictates their applications, from food additives to dietary supplements for digestive health.

While studies have shown that partially hydrolyzed **guar fiber** can alleviate digestive issues like IBS and even reduce inflammation, other research on highly refined guar gum indicates it may worsen intestinal inflammation in pre-existing conditions like IBD.

While many fiber supplements contain a blend of ingredients, the composition of Optifiber is surprisingly simple, primarily featuring Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum, a soluble fiber derived from guar beans. The specific formulation can vary, so it is important to check the label for the exact active components.