Digestive conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis — can have a huge impact on quality of life. While medications are often essential, adding the right dietary fibre may provide extra relief and long-term support.

A 2024 clinical trial published in the Journal of Medical Investigation (Watanabe et al., 2024) examined the effects of Partially Hydrolysed Guar Gum (PHGG) over six months in patients with IBS, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis — all while they continued their usual drug therapy. The findings were encouraging:

• IBS patients saw significant improvements, including increased levels of short-chain fatty acid–producing bacteria (good for gut balance), reduced abundance of Bacteroides (often linked to gut dysfunction), and normalisation of stool form on the Bristol scale.
• UC patients showed trends toward softer stool normalisation and reduced calprotectin levels, an inflammatory marker.
• Importantly, no adverse events were reported in any group, highlighting PHGG’s safety as a long-term dietary intervention.

This study adds to growing evidence that PHGG is more than just a fibre for regularity — it actively supports microbiome health, reduces gut inflammation, and complements existing therapies for chronic digestive conditions.

Wonder Foods PHGG is a gentle, taste-free, soluble fibre that mixes easily into drinks or food, making it simple to include in daily routines.

Of course, lifestyle factors also matter. Regular movement improves digestion, circulation, and overall resilience. Working with an exercise physiologist can provide personalised strategies to manage gut-related symptoms and improve quality of life alongside nutritional support.

Takeaway: PHGG has proven benefits for people with IBS and IBD when combined with standard treatments. Safe, effective, and well-tolerated, it’s a practical way to support gut health for the long term.

This article is brought to you by Propel Health, the Australian company behind Wonder Foods.