Guar Gum Improves Lipid Profiles in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

by | Jul 17, 2023 | 2021, Blood Lipids, Diabetes, Fiber

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. Results of a meta-analysis of 11 RCTs shows that guar gum supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol by -20.32 mg/dL and LDL-C by -14.52 mg/dL in subjects with T2DM compared to controls. 

blood lipidsDiabetes affects over 463 million people globally and is prevalent in 10.5% of the United States population, with over 90% of all cases being type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)1. Two major pathophysiological mechanisms are present in T2DM, insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion from the pancreas2. T2DM is associated with abnormal lipid profiles including elevated triglycerides and/or low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)3.

Guar gum, a natural polysaccharide and dietary fiber, has multiple health benefits, such as prebiotic effects4. Research has shown that guar gum is effective in lowering hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, along with helping maintain satiety5. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties have been linked to reduced insulin secretion6.

Li et al. conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of guar gum supplementation on lipid profiles in patients with T2DM. Study inclusion criteria consisted of using guar gum as an intervention, in a randomized clinical trial setting, with T2DM subjects aged ≥18 years, with measured serum lipid concentrations at baseline and after intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was utilized to analyze the potential risk of bias of the studies.

11 RCTs were included in the final analysis. Mean age of participants ranged from 27 to 69 years and guar gum dosages ranged from 5 g/day to 30 g/day. Study duration ranged from 4 weeks to 6 months. Significant findings of the study are as follows:

  • A significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) was noted following guar gum supplementation (WMD: -20.32 mg/dL; 95% CI: -27.02, -13.62; p < 0.001). Additionally, subgroup analysis analyzing dosage efficacy showed that ≥20 g/day of guar gum had a more significant reduction in TC (WMD: -44.34 mg/dL; 95% CI: -54.72, -33.97, p < 0.001) versus <20 g/day (WMD: -17.38 mg/dL, 95% CI: -23.24, -11.51, p < 0.001).
  • Guar gum supplementation significantly reduced LDL-C levels (WMD: -14.52 mg/dL, 95% CI: -20.69, -8.35, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that ≥20 g/day of guar gum was more efficient in reducing LDL-C (WMD: -44.34 mg/dL, 95% CI: -54.72, -33.97, p < 0.001).
  • HDL-C levels were not significantly reduced following guar gum supplementation. Furthermore, triglyceride (TG) levels were not significantly altered following guar gum consumption. However, guar gum supplementation at a dose ≥20 g/day reduced TG levels (WMD: -12.55 mg/dL, 95% CI: -23.72, -1.37, p = 0.02) versus a dose <20 g/day.

Results of the study show that guar gum supplementation positively influenced total cholesterol and LDL-C levels in subjects with T2DM. However, HDL-C and TG levels were not significantly altered. Study limitations include the heterogeneity of the sample population and the inability to assess guar gum supplementation effects on cardiovascular endpoints.

Source: Li, Jilin, Rongping Chen, Yongru Chen, Dan Zhu, Zezhen Wu, Fengwu Chen, Xiaojun Huang et al. “The effect of guar gum consumption on the lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2021): 1-10.

© 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Click here to read the full text study.

Posted July 17, 2023.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

References:

  1. Kanaley JA, Colberg SR, Corcoran MH, et al. Exercise/Physical Activity in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Consensus Statement from the American College of Sports Medicine. Med Sci Sports Exerc. Feb 1 2022;54(2):353-368. doi:10.1249/mss.0000000000002800
  2. Laakso M. Biomarkers for type 2 diabetes. Mol Metab. Sep 2019;27s(Suppl):S139-s146. doi:10.1016/j.molmet.2019.06.016
  3. Kaze AD, Santhanam P, Musani SK, Ahima R, Echouffo-Tcheugui JB. Metabolic Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Findings From the Look AHEAD Study. J Am Heart Assoc. Apr 6 2021;10(7):e016947. doi:10.1161/jaha.120.016947
  4. Bonetti G, Herbst KL, Donato K, et al. Dietary supplements for obesity. J Prev Med Hyg. Jun 2022;63(2 Suppl 3):E160-e168. doi:10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2757
  5. Yasukawa Z, Inoue R, Ozeki M, et al. Effect of Repeated Consumption of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum on Fecal Characteristics and Gut Microbiota: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Parallel-Group Clinical Trial. Nutrients. Sep 10 2019;11(9)doi:10.3390/nu11092170
  6. Derosa G, D’Angelo A, Maffioli P. The role of selected nutraceuticals in management of prediabetes and diabetes: An updated review of the literature. Phytother Res. Oct 2022;36(10):3709-3765. doi:10.1002/ptr.7564