Rheological Characteristics of Soluble Fibres during Chemically Simulated Digestion and their Suitability for Gastroparesis Patients

Abstract

Dietary fibres are an integral part of a balanced diet. Consumption of a high-fibre diet confers many physiological and metabolic benefits. However, fibre is generally avoided by individuals with gastrointestinal motility disorders like gastroparesis due to increased likelihood of exacerbated symptoms. Low-viscosity soluble fibres have been identified as a possible source of fibre tolerable for these individuals. The aim of this study is to determine the rheological properties of 10 common commercially available soluble fibres in chemically simulated digestive conditions and evaluate their suitability for individuals with mild to moderate gastroparesis, a gastric motility disorder. Rheological testing under neutral condition (distilled water pH 7) and chemically simulated gastric digestion were evaluated to determine the yield point and relative viscosity of each fibre. Our results reveal two rheological categories of soluble fibres; pseudoplastic and dilatant. Simulated digestion was shown to significantly alter the yield-points of psyllium husk, iota-carrageenan, beta-glucan, apple-fibre pectin, and inulin. Gum Arabic and partially hydrolysed guar gum showed the lowest viscosities and were not affected under simulated digestion, characteristics that make them potential candidate fibres for patients with gastroparesis. Altogether, our results demonstrate that digestion can have a significant impact on fibre viscosity and should be taken into consideration when evaluating the suitability of fibres for patients with gastric motility disorders.

A Low Cost, Novel Treatment of Severe Diabetic Gastroparesis Based on Burkitt’s Dietary Fiber Hypothesis

“…An initial selection of the dietary fiber is often a trial-and-error process (clinical observations by co-author, JWJ). One rheological in vitro study of 10 common, commercially available soluble fiber supplements concluded that gum arabic and partially hydrolyzed guar gum (the latter was given initially to our patient) would be best tolerated by GP patients [ 22 ]. Given these concerns, an initial small dose of soluble dietary fiber was recommended and the dosage increased as tolerated.…”

Gastroparesis: The Complex Interplay with Microbiota and the Role of Exogenous Infections in the Pathogenesis of the Disease

“…Usually, in terms of prebiotics, fiber is generally avoided by individuals with gastrointestinal motility disorders, such as gastroparesis, due to an increased likelihood of exacerbated symptoms. Therefore, fiber needs to be carefully used among those with motility issues for a wide variety of reasons [ 97 ]. In this setting, however, prebiotic gum fibers are the best candidates for people with slow motility issues [ 98 ].…”

Effectiveness of Gum Arabic in Diabetes and its Complications: A Narrative Review

“…Additionally, GA as a soluble fiber and due to its polysaccharide constituent was recently suggested to have significant effect on reducing the symptoms of stomach gastroparesis in diabetic patients [45].…”