Meta Information
ID:phgg
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/oral-medications-general
Target name:
All Oral Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
As a soluble fiber, Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG) can slow gastric emptying and form a gel-like matrix in the gut, which can delay or reduce the absorption of concurrently administered oral medications.
Actionable advice:
Separate PHGG from any oral medications by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/levothyroxine_systemic_disease
Target name:
Levothyroxine
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
4
Description:
All fiber supplements, including PHGG, can bind to levothyroxine in the gastrointestinal tract, significantly impairing its absorption and reducing its therapeutic effect.
Actionable advice:
Take PHGG at least 4 hours apart from your levothyroxine dose.
Target id:
/intervention/digoxin
Target name:
Digoxin
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
PHGG can decrease the absorption of digoxin, a heart medication with a narrow therapeutic index, potentially leading to a loss of efficacy and inadequate heart rate control.
Actionable advice:
Separate PHGG and digoxin doses by at least 2 hours and consult your cardiologist.
Target id:
/condition/gastrointestinal-obstruction
Target name:
Gastrointestinal Obstruction or Dysphagia
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Using any fiber supplement during a known bowel obstruction can worsen the condition. For individuals with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), it can pose a choking hazard if not mixed with sufficient liquid.
Actionable advice:
Do not use PHGG if you have a bowel obstruction or difficulty swallowing.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
PHGG slows carbohydrate absorption from meals, which can lower blood glucose levels and add to the effects of diabetes medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood glucose closely when starting PHGG and consult your doctor, as medication dosages may need adjustment.
Target id:
/class/tricyclic-antidepressants
Target name:
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Soluble fiber can bind to tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) in the gut, potentially reducing their absorption and clinical effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Take PHGG at least 2 hours apart from tricyclic antidepressant medications.
Target id:
/condition/sibo
Target name:
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
PHGG is a highly fermentable prebiotic fiber. In individuals with SIBO, it can be rapidly fermented by overgrown bacteria in the small intestine, significantly worsening symptoms like gas, bloating, and pain.
Actionable advice:
Avoid PHGG if you have active SIBO unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Target id:
/intervention/low-fodmap-diet
Target name:
Low-FODMAP Diet
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Guar gum is a galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), which is a type of FODMAP. It can trigger digestive symptoms in individuals with IBS who are sensitive to FODMAPs.
Actionable advice:
Avoid PHGG during the elimination phase of a low-FODMAP diet.
Target id:
/dietary/water
Target name:
Water / Fluid
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
PHGG is a soluble fiber that requires adequate fluid to dissolve properly and function effectively in the digestive tract, preventing clumping and potential discomfort.
Actionable advice:
Always mix each dose of PHGG thoroughly with at least 8 ounces (240 mL) of water or other non-carbonated fluid.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.25
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking PHGG with meals helps slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and fats, which can help blunt post-meal spikes in blood glucose and improve satiety.
Actionable advice:
For blood sugar support, take PHGG with a beverage just before or during your meals.
Target id:
/intervention/iron-supplements
Target name:
Iron Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
While PHGG is less likely to bind minerals than other fibers, there is a theoretical risk that it could slightly reduce the absorption of supplemental iron if taken at the same time.
Actionable advice:
As a precaution, separate doses of PHGG and iron supplements by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/zinc
Target name:
Zinc Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
There is a theoretical possibility that soluble fiber could mildly interfere with the absorption of zinc supplements when consumed simultaneously.
Actionable advice:
To ensure maximal absorption, separate doses of PHGG and zinc supplements by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/magnesium
Target name:
Magnesium Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The fermentation of PHGG by gut bacteria produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can lower colonic pH and improve the overall health of the gut, potentially enhancing the absorption of minerals like magnesium over time.
Actionable advice:
Consistent use of PHGG may support better magnesium absorption; no specific timing is required.
Target id:
/intervention/calcium-citrate
Target name:
Calcium Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
By producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon, PHGG can create a more acidic environment that improves the solubility and absorption of dietary and supplemental calcium.
Actionable advice:
Long-term, consistent use of PHGG may improve calcium absorption from all sources.
Target id:
/class/viscous-fibers
Target name:
Other Fiber Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining multiple fiber supplements (e.g., psyllium, inulin, PHGG) can lead to an excessive total fiber intake, increasing the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects like gas, bloating, and cramping.
Actionable advice:
Introduce new fiber supplements one at a time and increase doses gradually to assess your individual tolerance.