Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum in Improving Fecal Characteristics in Long Term Care Facility Residents

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a vegetal, water soluble, non-viscous, non-gelling dietary fiber that is derived from guar gum, a water-soluble, viscous, gelling polysaccharide found in the seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus. PHGG is food for special medical purpose and available over-the-counter. It is as effective as lactulose treatment in relieving constipation associated abdominal pain in children. Up-to-date, there is no randomized study regarding the effectiveness of PHGG in reducing constipation in long term care facility residents, the investigator therefore would like to perform a prospective, randomized study to assess its effectiveness in long term care facility residents to improve fecal characteristics and its effect on use of laxative agents.