Use
Guar gum is widely used in foods, and oral and topical
pharmaceutical formulations. Excessive consumption may cause
gastrointestinal disturbance such as flatulence, diarrhea, or nausea.
Therapeutically, daily oral doses of up to 25 g of guar gum have
been administered to patients with diabetes mellitus.
Although it is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant
material, the safety of guar gum when used as an appetite
suppressant has been questioned. When consumed, the gum swells
in the stomach to promote a feeling of fullness. However, it is
claimed that premature swelling of guar gum tablets may occur and
cause obstruction of, or damage to, the esophagus. Consequently,
appetite suppressants containing guar gum in tablet form have been
banned in the UK. However, appetite suppressants containing
microgranules of guar gum are claimed to be safe. The use of
guar gum for pharmaceutical purposes is unaffected by the ban.
In food applications, an acceptable daily intake of guar gum has
not been specified by the WHO.
LD50 (hamster, oral): 6.0 g/kg
LD50 (mouse, oral): 8.1 g/kg
LD50 (rabbit, oral): 7.0 g/kg
LD50 (rat, oral): 6.77 g/kg