Sunfiber's partially hydrolyzed guar gum may lower risk factors that can lead to heart disease and other serious complications in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes through diet, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Researchers administered either Sunfiber partially hydrolyzed guar gum or a placebo to 44 patients diagnosed with both metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes for six weeks. Patients followed their usual diets and were evaluated at baseline, four weeks and six weeks.
Both groups reduced waist circumferences. However, the Sunfiber group also benefitted from reductions in HbA1c, a blood glucose marker; lower urinary albumin excretion, an indicator of kidney function; and a reduced amount of trans fatty acids in their bloodstreams. These results were seen as early as four weeks.
The researchers commented that, while additional investigation is warranted, “The results of this present study suggest that patients with diabetes should have a dose of 10 grams partially hydrolyzed guar gum added to their usual diet to improve their metabolic syndrome profile."
Sunfiber is tasteless, colorless, odorless, gluten-free and readily dissolves in water. A true regulating fiber, it improves both constipation and diarrhea. The result is regularity with healthy consistency. Sunfiber dissolves rapidly and crystal clear in beverages, and will not alter the taste or texture of foods
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors—elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels and abdominal fat—and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In 2013, Health Canada approved Sunfiber for use as a dietary fiber source based on clearly demonstrated safety and clinical evidence that the addition of Sunfiber results in more than 20% reduction in postprandial blood glucose levels.
