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Cited by 20Gastrointestinal motility and disordersMicrobial Metabolites in Food BiotechnologyFood composition and properties

Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum in Reducing Constipation in Long Term Care Facility Residents: A Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial

Open access
Chan, Tuen-Ching, Yu, V.M.W., Luk, J.K.H., Chu, L.W., Yuen, J.K.Y., Chan, F.H.W.·2022·The Journal of nutrition, health and aging
DOI 10.1007/s12603-022-1747-2PMC PMC12275608
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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) in improving constipation and reducing the use of laxatives among long term care facility (LTCF) residents. DESIGN: A single-center, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded parallel-group trial from September 2021 to November 2021. SETTING: Four LTCF in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two LTCF residents with chronic constipation (mean age: 83.9±7.6 years, male 38%). INTERVENTION: 5g PHGG mixed with 200ml water per day for 4 weeks was given to intervention group participants. Control group received 200ml water for 4 weeks. Participants continued their usual as-needed laxative (lactulose, senna or dulcolax) on their own initiative. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline measurements included age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, Roackwood's Clinical Frailty Scale, body mass index and daily dietary fiber intake. Outcome measures were fecal characteristics assessed by Bristol Stool Form Scale, bowel opening frequency and laxative use frequency at baseline, first, second, third and fourth week of trial. Adverse events were measured. The study was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov; identifier: NCT05037565. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in bowel frequency and stool characteristics between the treatment group and control group. However, there was a significantly lower frequency of lactulose, senna, and total laxative use in the treatment group compared with controls in the third and fourth week. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that daily dietary fibre supplementation by using PHGG for 4 weeks in LTCF residents results in significantly less laxative use than placebo. It may be an effective way to reduce laxative dependence among older people living in LTCFs.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial among 52 long-term care facility residents with chronic constipation, daily 5 g partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) did not improve stool form or bowel-opening frequency versus placebo. However, PHGG significantly reduced lactulose, senna, and total laxative use in the third and fourth weeks.

Key findings

  • No significant difference between PHGG and placebo groups in Bristol Stool Form Scale scores or bowel-opening frequency at weeks 1–4.
  • Lactulose use was significantly lower in the PHGG group than controls in week 3 and week 4; senna use was significantly lower in week 4; total laxative use was significantly lower in weeks 3 and 4.
  • Dulcolax suppository use did not differ significantly between groups throughout the study.
  • Adverse gastrointestinal events were infrequent and not significantly different: bloating 3 vs 2 (p=1.000), abdominal pain 1 vs 2 (p=1.000), increased flatulence 8 vs 3 (p=0.173); no death or serious adverse event was reported.

Methods

  • Single-center, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded, parallel-group trial conducted September–November 2021 in four long-term care facilities in Hong Kong.
  • Fifty-two residents with chronic constipation fulfilling Rome III criteria (mean age 83.9±7.6 years, 38% male) were randomized 1:1 to 5 g PHGG mixed in 200 ml water daily or 200 ml water placebo for 4 weeks, after a 2-week run-in; all continued as-needed laxatives.
  • Outcomes included Bristol Stool Form Scale, bowel-opening frequency, laxative use quantified as units per week, and adverse events; groups compared using independent t-test and Fisher exact test, with two-tailed significance at 0.05 using SPSS 27.0.

Limitations

  • Stated in the paper: PHGG was standardized at 5 g/day, but most participants’ daily fiber intake remained below recommended amounts; investigators were not blinded to treatment; and results may not be generalizable beyond LTCF residents.
  • Evident from the text: the trial was single-center, short (4 weeks), and small (n=52), with outcomes recorded by participants or LTCF staff in diaries, which may introduce reporting limitations.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s12603-022-1747-2

Cites

29 of 29 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

8 of 32 cited sources checked · 4 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Interpretationown data

    This finding is different from the study by Yasukawa et al., which showed a significant difference between the intervention and control groups.

    “This finding is different from the study by Yasukawa et al., which showed a significant difference between the intervention and control groups.20”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] Yasukawa Z Inoue R Ozeki M Effect of repeated consumption of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on fecal characteristics and gut microbiota: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group clinical trial Nutrients 11 2019 2170 10.3390/nu11092170 31509971 PMC6769658 source
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-recorded stool frequency, stool characteristics, and laxative use are accurate.
  • Premisecitation

    Dietary fiber supplements through PHGG have beneficial effects on microbiota.

    “Dietary fiber supplements through PHGG have beneficial effects on microbiota.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] Yasukawa Z Inoue R Ozeki M Effect of repeated consumption of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on fecal characteristics and gut microbiota: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group clinical trial Nutrients 11 2019 2170 10.3390/nu11092170 31509971 PMC6769658 source
  • Findingown data

    There was no significant difference in frequency of dulcolax suppository use throughout the study between the two groups.

    “For dulcolax suppository, there was no significant difference in frequency of use throughout the study between the two groups.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-recorded stool frequency, stool characteristics, and laxative use are accurate.
    • Rests on an assumption: The three laxative types can be aggregated into total laxative use using the defined units.
  • Findingown data

    The frequency of senokot use was significantly lower in the treatment group than the control group in the fourth week.

    “Nevertheless, the frequency of senokot use was significantly lower in the treatment group than control group in fourth week.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-recorded stool frequency, stool characteristics, and laxative use are accurate.
    • Rests on an assumption: The three laxative types can be aggregated into total laxative use using the defined units.
  • Findingnone given

    Even with 5g dietary fiber supplementation, the daily fiber intake of most participants was still lower than the recommended dose.

    “Even with 5g dietary fiber supplementation, the daily fiber intake of most participants was still lower than the recommended dose.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-recorded stool frequency, stool characteristics, and laxative use are accurate.
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 22
  • May combine two claims. 17

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Chronic constipation may lead to increased frequency of hospitalizations and curtailment of normal activities of daily living.

    “It may lead to increased frequency of hospitalizations and curtailment of normal activities of daily living (3, 4).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [3] Tariq SH Morley JE Prather CM Health issues in the elderly: Fecal incontinence: Importance, clinical evaulation and treatment Am J Med 115 2003 217 227 10.1016/S0002-9343(03)00327-9 12935828 source
    • cites [4] Musa MK Saga S Blekken LE Harris R The prevalence, incidence and correlates of fecal incontinence among older people residing in care homes: a systematic review Journal of American Medical Directors Association 20 2019 956 962 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.03.033 31129021 source

      The Stool consistency section links constipation to risk of fecal incontinence, while the Impaired ability to conduct ADL section describes ADL impairment as a correlate of fecal incontinence—not a consequence of constipation. A search for hospitalizations found no passage saying that chronic constipation increases hospitalizations or curtails daily activities. Page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.76)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    PHGG is as effective as lactulose in relieving constipation-associated abdominal pain in children.

    “It is as effective as lactulose in relieving constipation associated abdominal pain in children (13).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [13] Ustundag G Kuloglu Z Kirbas N Can partially hydrolyzed guar gum be an alternative to lactulose in treatment of childhood constipation Turk J Gastroenterol 21 2010 360 364 10.4318/tjg.2010.0121 21331988 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The study by Yasukawa et al. showed that PHGG exerts prebiotic properties by increasing the concentration of intestinal short-chain fatty acid, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium, which indirectly reduces the risk of Clostridium difficile infection.

    “The study by Yasukawa et al. showed that PHGG exerts prebiotic properties by increasing the concentration of intestinal short-chain fatty acid, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium, which indirectly reduces the risk of Clostridium difficile infection (20).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] Yasukawa Z Inoue R Ozeki M Effect of repeated consumption of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on fecal characteristics and gut microbiota: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group clinical trial Nutrients 11 2019 2170 10.3390/nu11092170 31509971 PMC6769658 source

      Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Laxative use may disrupt gut microbiota and potentially increase susceptibility to Clostridium difficile infection.

    “Laxative use may disrupt gut microbiota and potentially increase susceptibility to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) (18, 19).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [18] Vincent C Miller MA Edens TJ Bloom and bust: intestinal microbiota dynamics in response to hospital exposures and Clostridium difficile colonization or infection Microbiome 4 2016 12 10.1186/s40168-016-0156-3 26975510 PMC4791782 source
    • cites [19] Jump RL Donskey CJ Clostridium difficile in the long term care facility: prevention and management Curr Geriatr Rep 4 2015 60 69 10.1007/s13670-014-0108-3 25685657 PMC4322371 source

      The Microbiology & Pathogenesis section says a disrupted gut microbiome permits C. difficile to grow, supporting the proposed link between microbiome disruption and susceptibility. But it identifies systemic antimicrobials, not laxatives, as the common cause of disruption. The Diagnosis section mentions laxatives only as a noninfectious cause of diarrhea that can lead to inappropriate CDI testing; it does not say laxatives disrupt the microbiome. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Based on previous data on PHGG in adults with a 30% difference in BSFS, a required sample size of 42 patients was calculated to achieve a statistical significance level of 0.05 with 80% power for a 30% post-treatment difference in BSFS between intervention and control groups.

    “Based on previous data on the use of PHGG in adults with a 30% difference in BSFS between the intervention and control groups, we calculated a required sample size of 42 patients to achieve a statistical significance level of 0.05 with 80% power for 30% post-treatment difference in BSFS between intervention and control group (20).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] Yasukawa Z Inoue R Ozeki M Effect of repeated consumption of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on fecal characteristics and gut microbiota: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group clinical trial Nutrients 11 2019 2170 10.3390/nu11092170 31509971 PMC6769658 source

      The Results (§3.2; page unavailable) report lower Bristol Stool Scale scores with PHGG than with placebo at weeks 7 and 11, supporting the use of this adult trial as prior evidence of a between-group difference. The paper does not report a 30% difference. Its Sample Size section (§2.13; page unavailable) says the authors could not estimate a minimum sample size and enrolled 44 participants; it does not supply the stated 42-patient, 80%-power calculation. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In this study, participants had underlying constipation and required more laxatives.

    “In this study, participants had underlying constipation and required more laxatives.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-recorded stool frequency, stool characteristics, and laxative use are accurate.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    No death or serious adverse event was reported.

    “No death or serious adverse event was reported.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The PHGG supplementation was standardized at 5g per day in this study.

    “The PHGG supplementation was standardized at 5g per day in this study.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PHGG has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improving quality of life.

    “PHGG has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improving quality of life.11”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Niv E Halak A Tiommny E Randomized clinical study: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) versus placebo in the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome Nutrition & Metabolism 13 2016 10 10.1186/s12986-016-0070-5 26855665 PMC4744437 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    There was no loss to follow-up on day 28 and no participant discontinued the intervention.

    “There was no lost to follow up on day 28 and no participant discontinued the intervention.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    This finding is consistent with the study by Nowson et al., which also showed low dietary fiber intake by LTCF residents.

    “This finding is consistent with the study by Nowson et al., which also showed low dietary fiber intake by LTCF residents (28).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28] Nowson CA Sherwin AJ McPhee JG Energy, protein, calcium, vitamin D and fiber intakes from meals in residential care establishments in Australia Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 12 2003 172 177 PubMed PMID: 12810407 12810407
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-recorded stool frequency, stool characteristics, and laxative use are accurate.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    Participants were assigned by a randomization list generated using a 1:1 ratio based on balanced permuted blocks stratified by center.

    “Participants who consented were assigned by a randomization list generated using a 1:1 ratio based on balanced permuted blocks stratified by center.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Chronic constipation can lead to fecal impaction, incontinence and delirium.

    “Chronic constipation can lead to fecal impaction, incontinence and delirium.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [3] Tariq SH Morley JE Prather CM Health issues in the elderly: Fecal incontinence: Importance, clinical evaulation and treatment Am J Med 115 2003 217 227 10.1016/S0002-9343(03)00327-9 12935828 source
    • cites [4] Musa MK Saga S Blekken LE Harris R The prevalence, incidence and correlates of fecal incontinence among older people residing in care homes: a systematic review Journal of American Medical Directors Association 20 2019 956 962 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.03.033 31129021 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The recommended dietary fiber amount is 30g per day for men and 21g per day for women.

    “In this study, the baseline dietary fiber intake of most participants was less than 13g per day, lower than the recommended amount for men (30g per day) and women (21g per day) (27).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [27] Trumbo P Schlicker S Yates AA Poos M Dietary reference intakes for energy, carbohydrate, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein and amino acids J Am Diet Assoc 102 2002 1621 1630 10.1016/S0002-8223(02)90346-9 12449285 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier NCT 05037565.

    “The study was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov; identifier: NCT 05037565.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    PHGG is effective to mitigate constipation tendency by reducing reliance on laxatives while maintaining similar bowel opening and stool characteristics.

    “This suggested that PHGG is effective to mitigate constipation tendency by reducing their reliance on laxatives while maintaining similar bowel opening and stool characteristics.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-recorded stool frequency, stool characteristics, and laxative use are accurate.
    • Rests on an assumption: The three laxative types can be aggregated into total laxative use using the defined units.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The research was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Hong Kong and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice.

    “The research was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Hong Kong. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice and was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier: NCT 05037565.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PHGG is a water-soluble, non-viscous, non-gelling vegetable dietary fiber derived from guar gum, a water-soluble, viscous, gelling polysaccharide found in the seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus.

    “Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble, non-viscous, non-gelling vegetable dietary fiber derived from guar gum, a water-soluble, viscous, gelling polysaccharide found in the seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus (9, 10).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [9] Giannini EG Mansi C Dulbecco P Role of partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome Nutrition 22 2006 334 342 10.1016/j.nut.2005.10.003 16413751 source
    • cites [10] Quaratone G Role of PHGG as a dietary fiber: a review article Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol 59 2013 329 340 PMID: 24212352 24212352

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    This finding concurs with the review by Dahl et al., which reported that fiber supplement may be effective in decreasing laxative use in LTCF residents.

    “This finding concurs with the review by Dahl et al., which reported that fiber supplement may be effective in decreasing laxative use in LTCF residents (7).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [7] Dahl WJ Mendoza DR Is fibre an effective strategy to improve laxation in long term care residents? Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research 79 2018 35 41 10.3148/cjdpr-2017-028 28971691 source
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-recorded stool frequency, stool characteristics, and laxative use are accurate.
    • Rests on an assumption: The three laxative types can be aggregated into total laxative use using the defined units.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Assuming a 20% drop-out rate, a sample size of 52 patients (26 participants in each arm) was proposed.

    “Assuming a 20% drop out rate, a sample size of 52 patients (26 participants in each arm) was proposed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    PHGG is better tolerated with lower risk of the abovementioned complications.

    “PHGG is better tolerated with lower risk of the abovementioned complications.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Low daily intake of dietary fiber by LTCF residents is common and highly related to the meal prepared by LTCF.

    “Low daily intake of dietary fiber by LTCF residents is common and highly related to the meal prepared by LTCF.30”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [30] Rodríguez RAI Ruiz LMD Malafarina V Menus offered in long-term care homes: quality of meal service and nutritional analysis Nutr Hosp 34 3 2017 584 592 Jun 5 10.20960/nh.941 28627193 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A study involving 16 LTCF residents using a pre-test and post-test design showed that PHGG could reduce constipation.

    “A study involving (16) LTCF residents using pre-test and post-test design showed that PHGG could reduce constipation.14”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] Patrick PG Gohman SM Marx SC Effect of supplements of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on the occurrence of constipation and use of laxative agents Journal of the American Dietetic Association 98 1998 912 914 10.1016/S0002-8223(98)00210-7 9710664 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Different types of dietary fiber supplements have been shown to be effective to increase stool frequency and decrease laxative use in LTCF residents.

    “Different types of dietary fiber supplements have been shown to be effective to increase stool frequency and decrease laxative use in LTCF residents (6, 7).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [6] Bug S Brinckman J Cicconetti G Valentine B Efficacy of a herbal dietary supplement (Smooth Move) in the management of constipation in nursing home residents Journal of the American Medical Directors Association 7 2006 556 561 10.1016/j.jamda.2006.06.001 17095420 source
    • cites [7] Dahl WJ Mendoza DR Is fibre an effective strategy to improve laxation in long term care residents? Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research 79 2018 35 41 10.3148/cjdpr-2017-028 28971691 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Around 50% of residents in LTCF have constipation and 70% of them need laxative agents.

    “Studies have shown that around 50% of residents in LTCF have constipation and 70% of them need laxative agents (1, 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [1] Gustafsson M Lamas K Isaksson U Constipation and laxative use among people living in nursing homes in 2007 and 2013 BMC Geriatrics 19 2019 38 10.1186/s12877-019-1054-x 30736737 PMC6368797 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

    • cites [2] Komiya H Umegaki H Asai A Prevalence and risk factors of constipation and pollakisuria among older home-care patients Geriatr Gerontol Int 19 2019 277 281 10.1111/ggi.13610 30628140 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    During literature review, the authors could not find any randomized study examining the effectiveness of PHGG in LTCF residents.

    “During literature review, we could not find any randomized study examining the effectiveness of PHGG in LTCF residents.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The trial was single-blinded.

    “A single-center, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded parallel-group trial from September 2021 to November 2021.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The PHGG solution remained colorless, odorless and tasteless, so participants could not distinguish it from water.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PHGG is safe, well-tolerated and does not affect the absorption of iron or other micronutrients.

    “PHGG is safe, well-tolerated and does not affect the absorption of iron or other micronutrients (15, 16).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [15] Finley JW Soto-Vaca A Heimbach J Safety Assessment and Caloric value of partially hydrolyzed guar gum Journal of Agricultural and food chemistry 61 2013 1756 1771 10.1021/jf304910k 23347282 source
    • cites [16] Takahashi H Yang SI Hayashi CH Effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on fecal output in human volunteers Nutr Res 13 1993 649 657 10.1016/S0271-5317(05)80557-3 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The daily dietary fiber intake of participants in the study by Yasukawa et al. was adequate and they did not require any laxative at baseline.

    “The daily dietary fiber intake of participants in the study by Yasukawa et al was adequate and they did not require any laxative at baseline.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] Yasukawa Z Inoue R Ozeki M Effect of repeated consumption of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on fecal characteristics and gut microbiota: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group clinical trial Nutrients 11 2019 2170 10.3390/nu11092170 31509971 PMC6769658 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    All participants received the allocated intervention over the 4-week study period.

    “All participants received allocated intervention over the 4-week study period.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: LTCF staff accurately prepared and administered the PHGG solution and placebo.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Reduction in influenza infection has also been reported with PHGG administration.

    “Reduction in influenza infection has also been reported with PHGG administration (21).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] Takahashi C Kozawa M The effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on preventing influenza infection Clinical Nutrition ESPEN 42 2021 148 152 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.11.030 33745569 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

31 of 31

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The placebo (200 ml water) has no effect on constipation or laxative use.

    “Participants in the control group were given 200ml of water as placebo daily.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The PHGG solution remained colorless, odorless and tasteless, so participants could not distinguish it from water.

    “After mixing with PHGG, the solution remained colorless, odorless and tasteless.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Participants' self-recorded stool frequency, stool characteristics, and laxative use are accurate.

    “During treatment period, both groups of participants documented stool frequency, stool characteristics and use of laxatives themselves or with help from LTCF staff.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The three laxative types can be aggregated into total laxative use using the defined units.

    “One unit of laxative was «7.5mg of senokot», «10ml lactulose» or «10mg of dulcolax suppository».”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    LTCF staff accurately prepared and administered the PHGG solution and placebo.

    “The mixing procedure was done by LTCF health care workers.”
5 of 5

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Senokot unit differs by a factor of 1,000

    Minor

    The methods define one unit of Senokot as 7.5 mg, but the Figure 3 caption defines it as 7.5 g.

  • Figure 3 caption describes the wrong outcomes

    Minor

    The results identify Figure 3 as showing laxative use, but its caption describes fecal consistency and bowel-opening frequency instead.

  • Abstract overstates when senna use differed

    Minor

    The abstract says senna use was significantly lower in both weeks three and four, whereas the results say there was no significant difference in week three.

3 of 3

Cites

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Cited by

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Related

Authors
Chan, T.-C., Yu, V. M. W., Luk, J. K. H., Chu, L. W., Yuen, J. K. Y., & Chan, F. H. W.
Affiliations
  • Queen Mary Hospital (CN)
  • University of Hong Kong (HK)
Corresponding author
Chan, Tuen-Ching
ORCID
Venue
The Journal of nutrition, health and aging
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2022-03
Volume
26
Issue
3
Pages
247-251
ISSN
1279-7707 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1007/s12603-022-1747-2
PMC
PMC12275608
OpenAlex
W4213070392
Semantic Scholar
94f2d1c892bf1534a525ba53a5be73652b8d4a82
Cited by
20
References
29
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 1
FWCI
3.50
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • The journal of nutrition health & aging (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Microbial Metabolites in Food Biotechnology
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Food composition and properties
Keywords
partially hydrolyzed guar gum, dietary fiber supplementation, chronic constipation, laxative use, laxative dependence, long-term care residents, older adults, stool frequency, stool characteristics, lactulose, Senna
MeSH terms
Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Constipation, Dietary Fiber, Galactans, Humans, Lactulose, Long-Term Care, Male, Mannans, Prospective Studies, Water, Plant Gums, Laxatives

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-31.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-31.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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