Prebiotic Guar Bean Fiber Has Positive Impact On Intestinal Microbiota, Study Finds

For this study, researchers wanted to look more closely at the relationship between guar bean fiber, gut bacteria, and gut health in general.

To do so, they conducted a small study on 12 healthy adult males, in which participants consumed eight grams of guar bean fiber for 18 days. Before, during, and after the study, participants filled out questionnaires about gut discomfort or any other sensations, plus tracked how often they passed gas. Researchers also tested the diversity of gut bacteria in participants, as well as the metabolic reactions to the guar bean fiber.

And based on the findings, the researchers conclude that guar bean fiber could be beneficial for gut health. Namely, they write, "Continuous consumption [of guar bean fiber] induces a selective adaptation of metabolic functions that may [offer health benefits]."

More specifically, participants showed significant improvements in digestive wellbeing and mood by days 17 and 18 of the study, plus an increase in the bacterias Agathobaculum butyriciproducens and Lachnospira pectinoschiza.

While the sample size for this study was small and results should ideally be replicated in a larger sample size that also includes women, these findings reiterate the importance of optimizing your fiber intake, and specifically, looking for guar bean fiber in foods like yogurt, soups, or even fiber supplements.