Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sunfiber?

Sunfiber, also known as Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG) or Guar Fiber, is a galactomannan based soluble dietary fiber made from guar beans. It is a versatile powder that can be easily added to a wide variety of foods, beverages and supplements. Sunfiber does not negatively impact the flavor, color, texture, or aroma of the products to which it is added. It offers an easy way to increase fiber in the diet using consumers favorite foods and beverages.

What are the benefits of Sunfiber?

Sunfiber is a truly regulating dietary fiber that helps to normalize the digestive system. It is clinically shown to be effective at regulating occasional diarrhea and occasional constipation. Sunfiber is an excellent prebiotic for maintaining digestive health and microflora balance. It is tasteless, colorless, odorless, gluten free, and 100% water-soluble.

What’s the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber?
Insoluble fiber creates the bulk in your stool. Good sources of insoluble fiber are grains, nuts, seeds and the skins of fruits.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water. The right soluble fiber aids digestion, feeds beneficial bacteria, moderates glucose absorption, lowers cholesterol and helps you feel less hungry (increases satiety). But be careful. Some soluble fibers may lead to additional gas, bloating and worse: loose stools and diarrhea.

Sunfiber is a soluble, low-FODMAP fiber. It supports digestive health without causing excess gas or bloating.*

What are FODMAPS?
FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Disaccharides, Mono-saccharides and Polyols) are a group of dietary sugars which are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They are known to cause gas-related pain, intestinal distention and constipation and/or diarrhea in people suffering from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Low-FODMAP diets help to reduce these symptoms. Sunfiber is a Monash University Low FODMAP Certified™ product.

Because many high-fiber foods are also high in FODMAPs, people with FGID and IBS typically have difficulty meeting the recommended daily intake of 25 to 38 grams of fiber in their diets. That means they may not get enough soluble fiber which is essential for gut health and regularity.* Even more problematic, many of the dietary fiber supplements containing inulin, dextrin and IMOs are high FODMAP fibers and should be avoided by those looking to reduce FODMAPs in their diet.

What is the difference between guar gum and Sunfiber (guar fiber)?

Guar gum is a water soluble carbohydrate derived from the guar plant seed. It is used throughout the food industry for its superior thickening, gelling, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties as a result of its high viscosity. While guar gum and Sunfiber (guar fiber) come from the same plant, Sunfiber has a low viscosity and is used to add fiber to various foods and dietary supplements.

What does hydrolyzed mean?

Hydrolyzation is a controlled natural enzymatic process that breaks guar gum down into smaller units, greatly decreasing its viscosity and allowing the particles to dissolve more readily, while maintaining the original fiber content.

What is the recommended dosage for fiber?

The current adequate intake for dietary fiber is 25 grams/day for women and 38 grams/day for men. Most of us get just 10 to 15 grams per day.

Are there side effects of having too much fiber?

People whose bodies are unaccustomed to getting sufficient dietary fiber – from food or fiber supplements – may sometimes experience gas, bloating and/or diarrhea. Those side effects are virtually non-existent with Sunfiber at the recommended dosages.

Is Sunfiber safe?

Sunfiber has been affirmed as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) by an expert panel at a level up to 60 grams per day and is approved as a fiber source by Health Canada and other countries.

How much Sunfiber should I consume?
The typical recommended single serving of Sunfiber is between 3 – 7 grams. The current adequate intake for dietary fiber is 25 grams/day for women and 38 grams/day for men. The daily amount of Sunfiber that should be consumed by healthy people looking to meet the daily recommended level of fiber would be the difference between their fiber intake from food and that of the recommended fiber intake for men and women.
Is Sunfiber a prebiotic?
Sunfiber is a Prebiotic fiber that is unique in comparison to other non galactomannan based fibers. A prebiotic fiber is one that produces “short chain fatty acids” (SCFA) in the gut via a fermentation process. The rate of production of SCFAs is very important. If fermentation occurs rapidly (as is the case with Inulin and other soluble fibers) the result is an excess of uncomfortable bloating and flatulence. The fermentation process of Sunfiber is extremely slow resulting in a higher total amount of SCFAs that are produced over a greater period of time, leading to significantly less gas, bloating and discomfort.
What are short chain fatty acids?

Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) are small compounds produced via fermentation of dietary fiber by the gut microbiome. The three main SCFAs are acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Butyrate acts as an energy/food source for the cells of the colon and is beneficial for intestinal health.

It is known that fiber can help with constipation, but can it improve diarrhea?

Typically not, however, with Sunfiber there is a true regulating effect helping with both constipation and diarrhea. Sunfiber binds excess water and tends to add more bulk to the stool. Sunfiber also has a prebiotic effect that helps to improve the status of the micro flora in the digestive system.

How do I know if my body needs more fiber?

Most adults do not get the recommended daily requirement of dietary fiber: 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Some signs of fiber insufficiency include constipation, flatulence, frequent upset stomach and hemorrhoids. If you follow a gluten-free diet, you may be at an even greater risk for a dietary fiber deficiency.

Is Sunfiber a natural product?
Sunfiber natural guar fiber has been classified as a 100 percent natural ingredient by the International Organization for Standardization (technical specification ISO 19657:2017). Sunfiber starts with natural guar beans which are grown in fields that are not treated with chemicals. No preservatives are used or added during manufacturing. Sunfiber is certified Kosher, Halal, vegetarian (not of any animal origin nor derivative) and non-GMO. All raw materials are kept free from GMO and their derivatives throughout the production process. Sunfiber qualifies as an Organic material. Sunfiber is 100% gluten free.
What is the caloric value of Sunfiber?

The scientifically determined energy value for Sunfiber is 1.9 kcal/gram.

What benefits does Sunfiber offer over other soluble fibers?
In addition to delivering soluble fiber and a number of clinically substantiated health benefits (see below), the following are some key benefits that consumers can easily understand and appreciate related to Sunfiber:

  • Sunfiber is a “true regulating” fiber in that it not only helps with constipation, but uniquely helps with diarrhea as well, returning stool content to a normal healthy state.
  • Unlike other soluble fibers, Sunfiber will not lead to a state of diarrhea with frequent consumption.
  • Sunfiber is well tolerated and does not lead to the typical bloating, cramping and gas production that other fibers are known for with daily consumption.
  • Sunfiber is a 100% Gluten Free product.
  • Sunfiber is a prebiotic fiber that helps improve beneficial probiotics within the intestinal tract, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.
  • Sunfiber helps regulate moisture and electrolyte exchange in the gut.
  • Sunfiber has a Healthy Satiety effect. Unlike other fibers, Sunfiber does not “block” the gut, but rather slows the gastric transit time and increases the satiation hormone CCK resulting in a comfortably full and satiated feel.
  • Sunfiber Improves absorption of minerals, including Ca, Fe, Zn. Other fibers often decrease absorption rates.
  • Tasteless, colorless, odorless. No effect on mouth feel or viscosity.
Can Sunfiber be used in cooking?

Yes. Sunfiber can be added to recipes for baked goods as well as savory foods without affecting their taste, aroma or consistency. It is also an excellent smoothie ingredient.

Where can I buy Sunfiber?

Sunfiber can be purchased at major health and natural products retailers. Click here to learn more.

Why is guar fiber preferred over other fiber supplements?
Guar fiber, Sunfiber’s fiber source, helps to normalize both occasional constipation and occasional diarrhea. It also won’t lead to additional excess gas and bloating, common side effects of other fiber supplements.*
Can children take Sunfiber?

Sunfiber is appropriate for all ages. Sunfiber can easily be added to juice, milk, yogurt or any other non-carbonated food or beverage. The recommended dosage of 1 serving (3 – 7 grams) is the same for all ages above 9 months.

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