Influence of intact and partially hydrolysed guar gum on iron utilization in rats fed on iron-deficient diets.

Effects of partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG) or intact guar gum (GG) on iron utilization in rats fed on several iron-deficient diets were examined. Hemoglobin, serum iron and iron storage in liver of rats fed on iron-deficient diets as a control group (without PHGG and GG) significantly decreased, while those of the test group fed together with PHGG or GG were unchanged. In an iron balance test for 3 days, administration of PHGG or GG caused an increase in iron absorption. The results suggested that PHGG or its metabolites increase the bioavailability of dietary iron in deficiency.