Use of guar gum in the management of irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

The use of dietary supplements in the management of gastrointestinal symptoms is increasing across the world. Several dietary supplements claim to specifically improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Most notably, dietary fibre has been useful in the treatment of IBS, especially if constipation is the most significant symptom (Zuckerman et al, 2006). However, reliable scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of dietary supplements in IBS is currently limited. One complicating factor in their use for the treatment of IBS is that a patient may experience symptoms as a generalised effect to any type of food. It is important for nurses in the gastrointestinal clinical setting to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of dietary supplements, and hence select the optimal and safest treatment options for their patients.

Guar gum is a type of dietary supplement that may provide a potentially promising treatment option to IBS sufferers. This complementary alternative medicine (CAM) clinical skills paper explores the use of guar gum in the management of IBS; focus will be given to the effectiveness and safety of this treatment option.