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Guar delays intestinal calcium absorption in man.
M C Gulliford1, G G Pover, E J Bicknell
1Department of Endocrinology, North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary, Stoke on Trent, UK.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Guar gum, a dietary fiber, was found to slow down calcium absorption in humans. This study shows guar fiber reduces the rate of calcium uptake, even without binding calcium.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Nutritional science
- Gastrointestinal absorption
Background:
- Dietary fiber intake is crucial for overall health.
- Understanding the impact of specific fibers like guar on nutrient absorption is important.
- Calcium absorption is vital for bone health and other bodily functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of guar on calcium absorption in humans.
- To quantify changes in calcium absorption parameters due to guar consumption.
- To determine if non-calcium-binding dietary fibers influence calcium uptake rate.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy human subjects participated in the study.
- The absorption of the calcium isotope 45Ca was measured.
- A non-linear curve-fitting computer program was used to analyze plasma radioactivity data, deriving delay time (delta t) and fractional absorption rate (alpha).
Main Results:
- Guar significantly reduced the fraction of 45Ca absorbed between 15 and 120 minutes.
- Guar intake led to an increased delay (delta t) before the initial rise in plasma radioactivity.
- Guar consumption decreased the initial fractional absorption rate (alpha) of calcium.
Conclusions:
- Dietary guar fiber significantly impacts calcium absorption kinetics in humans.
- Guar slows the rate of calcium absorption, indicated by delayed plasma radioactivity and reduced absorption rate.
- The findings suggest that the physical properties of dietary fiber, rather than calcium binding, can influence calcium absorption efficiency.