Over the last 25 years Taiyo has intensively researched its Sunfiber soluble fiber ingredient, which is a proprietary form of partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG). More than 150 trials have been performed and published in that time. The studies focussed maintaining healthy blood fat lipids and cholesterol levels, regularity (both constipation and diarrhoea), ameliorating IBS symptoms, promoting satiety aiding in appetite control and others. Now in July 2016 the most recent study was published that was conducted by a team led by Dr Mahendra Kapoor. The study investigated the influence of Sunfiber on metabolic syndrome, specifically among subjects who were already showing signs of glucose intolerance.
Study Design
In this observational study 12 middle-aged Japanese subjects where included that where slightly overweight to significantly overweight (BMI ranging from about 25.5 to about 29.5). The subjects had to consume 6 grams of Sunfiber three times a day (6g with every meal) for three months without changing or modifying their diets, exercise habits or general lifestyle. In the first three months the of the treatment effects were measured and for further nine months the subjects continued the regimen for a total of 12 months to confirm the results.
Study Results
Kapoor and his team found that Sunfiber used in this way resulted in:
• Significantly reduced postprandial blood glucose levels of up to 50%
• Significantly reduced postprandial insulin and triglyceride levels
• Lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels
• Reduced inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein
• Significantly reduced body mass index, particularly measurable in waist circumference
Conclusion
The researchers concluded that a high consumption of soluble dietary fiber such as Sunfiber (PHGG) is highly recommended. Especially healthy overweight and obese non-, or pre-diabetic individuals should include Sunfiber in their regular dietary management (meals or beverages) to prevent the development type-2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes syndromes. This preliminary study again confirms the epidemiological association between dietary fiber intake and reduced risk for metabolic syndrome.
Daily intake of fiber
The supplementation of 18g Sunfiber per day equates to 60% of the daily fiber intake (30 g/day) recommended for adults by European health authorities. This dosage far exceeds the dosages that are usually used and found in the marketplace for dietary fiber supplements. One reason is that it is usually quite difficult to use and consume such a high amount of fiber additionally to the normal diet due to side effects of high fiber diets which can cause flatulence, diarrhoea, intestinal cramps and obstipation. Sunfiber is a very palatable soluble fiber that is easy to use and which is 100% fermented by gut bacteria, but slowly so that it does not cause any side effects. Dr. Kapoor chose a dose of 6g/meal and 18g per day for their study because they knew that Sunfiber is very safe and palatable and they wanted to achieve the maximum effect by fiber in combination with the whole food of the diet and despite of any other changes in behaviour or life style. Since every meal results in the spike of glucose due to ingestion of carbohydrates, it is logical to test the response of Sunfiber intake together with each meal to know its response on post-prandial glucose levels. So his study does not mean that the subjects require 18g/day (6g/meal x 3 times) to reduce the post-prandial glucose levels, but rather that 6g/meal is effective to reduce post-prandial glucose peak by 50%.
This new study builds on previous research done on Sunfiber’s effects on blood glucose levels. Previous research showed dose responding effects of Sunfiber and the efficacy of Sunfiber is also already efficient at lower dosages such as 3g/serving for the reduction of post-prandial glucose levels, though to achieve these effects it must be taken with a meal. This study was done on Japanese subjects, but in the past Taiyo has done research in a variety of geographies featuring a number of diets, including those based on wheat as well as on rice as the primary carbohydrate source.
Mahendra P. Kapoor, Noriyuki Ishihara, Tsutomu Okubo. Soluble dietary fibre partially hydrolysed guar gum markedly impacts on postprandial hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and incretins metabolic hormones over time in healthy and glucose intolerant subjects. Journal of Functional Foods Volume 24, June 2016, Pages 207-220 (2016)
