FiberGG

Active ingredients per 1 sachet: 7g Sunfiber^TM (Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum), 10 Billion CFU FloraGG^® (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG)

Adults or Children above 12 years old: Take 1 sachet daily

For easy and quick dissolve, stir the water first and slowly add FiberGG content in. Or, add FiberGG into a bottle of water and shake to dissolve. 

Q. What is FiberGG?
A. FiberGG is a synbiotic supplement formulated with a  functional dose of 10 billion active Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and 7g Sunfiber™ prebiotic dietary fiber. Combining the synergistic benefits of both, FiberGG is beneficial to gastrointestinal, digestive and immune health, while helping to normalize blood glucose and cholesterol levels, support healthy weight management and overall wellness. 

Q. What is so unique about Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG?
A. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is one of the most extensively studied and widely used probiotic strain that is naturally present in the human intestines. Attributed to its excellent adhesion capacity to the intestinal lining, this probiotic strain effectively restores healthy balance of gut flora, maintains digestive comfort and regularity, supports healthy immune system and inflammatory responses and reduces risk of allergy and respiratory tract infections. Unlike typical Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in Fiber GG is comprehensively protected from heat, stomach acid and intestinal bile by a patented 5-layer microencapsulation technology (Patent no. M479761), which results in >600X higher survival rate than uncoated probiotics. This technology also helps improve adhesion of probiotics to the gut, improve the colonization and maximize its efficacy. 

Q. What is so unique about Sunfiber™ prebiotic dietary fiber?
A. Sunfiber™, which is also known as partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG) or guar fiber, is a 100% water-soluble, gluten-free, galactomannan based dietary fiber derived from the Indian guar bean. Typical fibers are high in FODMAP content, which can cause more fluid to be drawn into the gut. Sunfiber™ is low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) and consumption will not result in gastrointestinal discomforts, such as excess gas, bloating, cramping or diarrhea. High FODMAP foods are rapidly fermented by gut bacteria and produces gas. The increase of both fluid and gas distends the gut, leading to bloating and abdominal discomforts. This distention also causes increased bowel movement leading to diarrhea. These gastrointestinal discomforts are not associated with daily consumption of Sunfiber™ at the recommended dosage. 

Furthermore, Sunfiber™ is the world’s most researched soluble fiber that is 100% gluten-free, affirmed as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) and certified Kosher, Halal, vegetarian, non-GMO, and qualified as an Organic material. This 100% water-soluble fiber, tasteless and odorless fiber is beneficial for gastrointestinal health, which helps restore healthy gut flora, support digestive balance, relieve occasional constipation, diarrhea, bloating and indigestion. Health Canada has approved health claims for effectiveness of Sunfiber™ in treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as its ability to relieve intestinal issues related to childhood constipation. In addition, it helps normalize blood glucose and cholesterol levels, improve absorption of minerals (calcium, iron) and support healthy weight management by managing appetite and promote the sense of fullness. Supported by 29 published clinical studies, Sunfiber™ is much more superior than other fiber ingredients on the market. 

Q. What does FODMAP mean?
A. FODMAP, which stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, are a group of short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. Some people, especially those with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may experience digestive discomforts, such as gas and flatulence, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation after eating high FODMAP foods which, regrettable, most high-fiber foods and dietary fiber supplements are. Thus, it is common for  people with gastrointestinal disorders to have difficulty meeting the recommended daily intake of 25 to 38g of fiber in their diets, which will be crucial for gut health and bowel regularity.

Different from most dietary fibers, Sunfiber™ is a FODMAP-friendly prebiotic fibre product. This unique A. and excellent dietary fiber is suitable for all people, including those with gastrointestinal disorders. It helps improve gut health and microflora balance, without the risk of causing excess gas, bloating and other discomforts. This 100% water-soluble and heat-stable dietary fibers can be easily added to any foods and beverages to meet the daily dietary fiber needs. 

Q. What is the source of Sunfiber™ in FiberGG?
A. Sunfiber™ in FiberGG is derived from Indian guar bean grown in arid western India without any chemical treatment. Being known as partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) or guar fiber, Sunfiber™ is a 100% water soluble, galactomannan based dietary fiber. While maintaining the original high fiber content, a natural enzymatic process is employed to break down guar gum derived from the guar bean into smaller units, which can be dissolved more readily while decreasing its viscosity. 

Q. What are the health benefits of FiberGG?
A. Formulated with functional dosages of 10 billion Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and 7g Sunfiber™ prebiotic dietary, Fiber GG offers the health benefits of both probiotic and prebiotic. Synergistically, Fiber GG helps restore healthy gut flora and digestive system, and relieve occasional constipation, diarrhea, bloating and indigestion. This formula also supports immune health by maintaining healthy immunity and inflammatory responses. In addition, FiberGG is beneficial to blood glucose levels by reducing glycemic index of foods and post-meal blood sugar spikes. It also supports weight management by promoting the feelings of fullness, as well as improving mineral absorption, including calcium, iron and zinc, support healthy respiratory system and helps protect against caries development in children.

Q. What are the differences between probiotics and prebiotics?
A. Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast that are intended to provide health benefits by improving or restoring healthy gut flora. On the other hand, prebiotics are types of fiber that cannot be digested by human body, but serve as food for probiotics and gut bacteria. Both probiotics and prebiotics are crucial for maintaining healthy gut flora, digestion and overall-wellbeing.

Q. Can Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotics reach the gut intact and alive?
A. Yes. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is known to have excellent resistance to acid and bile environments, as well as strong adhesion to the intestinal lining. In addition, the patented 5-layer microencapsulation (Patent no. M479761) employed in Fiber GG further enhances the viability and efficacy of this probiotic. In this technology, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotics are embedded in the core of a capsule, surrounded by the colonization, nutrient-rich, antioxidant, bile-resistant and acid- resistant layers. The outer 3 layers (acid resistant, bile resistant and antioxidant) provide a physical barrier against harsh conditions such as gastric acid, bile, heat, humidity and stress, to ensure the probiotics are delivered to the gut alive. Furthermore, the nutrient-rich layer keeps the probiotics and intestinal lining healthy while the colonization layer combines the probiotics and prebiotics to increase colonization of probiotics at the intestinal lining. Compared to uncoated probiotics, this patented microencapsulation results in >600X higher survival rate. 

Q. Can I take FiberGG with antibiotics or other medicines?
A. Yes. However, it is advisable to have a 2-hour gap between FiberGG and antibiotics or other medications to ensure its efficacy is not compromised.

Q. Will FiberGG cause gastrointestinal discomforts, such as excess gas, bloating, diarrhea?
A. Different from most dietary fibers, Sunfiber™ formulated in FiberGG is a FODMAP-friendly prebiotic fibre product. Hence, it does not cause the risk of fiber-associated digestive discomforts, including excess gas, bloating, diarrhea and cramping, which are the side effects commonly associated with most fibers. This unique and excellent dietary fiber is suitable for all people, including those with gastrointestinal disorders.

Q. How to consume FiberGG?
A. FiberGG comes in powder form. Mix one sachet of the fiber with one glass of room temperature or cold water. Avoid taking FiberGG with hot water or drinks as this could reduce the viability of the probiotics, thereby affecting its efficacy.

Q. When is the best time to consume FiberGG?
A. FiberGG can be taken any time of the day, with or without food. It is advisable to take first thing in the morning to help kick-start your day with healthy digestive system. Taking FiberGG in the morning can help normalizing bowel movements, prevent constipation, diarrhea and bloating. For those who are concerned over body weight, blood glucose and triglycerides, it is best to take it before meal for best effects.

Q. Can children consume FiberGG?
A. Yes, FiberGG is suitable for all ages for healthy bowel movement and digestive wellness, including relieving gastrointestinal discomforts, such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating and indigestion.

Q. Is FiberGG safe for use during pregnancy and lactation?
A. Probiotics do not appear to pose any safety concerns for pregnant and lactating women, and Sunfiber™ formulated in FiberGG has been taken by pregnant and lactating women for years to help improve intestinal regularity and mitigate bloating and cramping. However, pregnant and lactating mothers are strongly advised to consult physician before taking any supplements. 
 

Research proven health benefits of Sunfiber^TM

The following were extracted from clinical studies and for referencing purpose only. This does not imply that the product is claimed to treat, cure or prevent any disease. 

1) Gastrointestinal health
Sunfiber™ or partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble dietary fiber that helps relieve abdominal discomforts, improve bowel movement, and support gastrointestinal health by modulating gut microbiota. It is important to note that Health Canada has approved health claims for effectiveness of Sunfiber™ in mitigating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and relieve intestinal issues related to childhood constipation.

Study 1:
In this clinical trial, 44 healthy volunteers (average 41.9 ± 6.3 years old) with a tendency toward diarrhoea, particularly irritable bowel syndrome diarrhoea (IBS-D)-like symptoms, were orally administered Sunfiber™ at 5g/day for 3 months. This resulted in significant improvement in stool form, as evaluated using Bristol stool scale (BSS). In BSS, types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, types 3 and 4 are considered healthy stool, while types 5 to 7 indicate diarrhoea. In addition, there were significant changes in the ratio of some bacteria, including an increase in the number of beneficial Bifidobacterium. These findings suggest that Sunfiber™ helps improve stool form by regulating gut flora. 

Study 2:
In this clinical trial, 20 healthy volunteers were orally administered 5g PHGG up to 3 times a day, including a 3-week washout period. A stool diary was kept daily, while clinical data, along with serum/plasma and stool samples were collected on a weekly basis. Results showed that PHGG administration  significantly improved stool frequency and consistency. In addition, it also improved diversity of gut flora and increases abundances of metabolites, including butyrate, acetate, and various amino acids. Furthermore, PHGG intake was associated with a bloom of beneficial bacteria Ruminococcus, Fusicatenibacter, Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides, and reduction of harmful bacteria Roseburia, Lachnospiracea and Blautia. After stopping the prebiotic, majority of the effects disappeared. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of PHGG in improving gut microbiota.

Study 3:
In this clinical trial, healthy volunteers were administered 21g Sunfiber™ daily, which was spread out as 7 g servings, 3 times a day for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, both beneficial bacteria Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus levels significantly increased compared to baseline. In addition, the stool pH decreases, indicating the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids(SCFA).

Study 4:
In this clinical trial, constipated women were orally administered 11g Sunfiber™ twice per day for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks consumption, the Lactobacillus levels significantly increased and the participants reported significant relief of constipation, compared to control period.

Study 5:
In this clinical trial, 77 patients with small bowel intestinal overgrowth(SIBO) were orally administered standard antibiotic treatment or antibiotic plus 5g Sunfiber™ for 10 days. SIBO occurs when there is an abnormal increase in bacteria which are not commonly found in the digestive tract, resulting in gas, bloating and other discomforts. Results showed that the eradication rate of SIBO in the antibiotic group alone was 62.1%, while the eradication rate was 87.1% in the antibiotic plus Sunfiber™ group. This study suggests that Sunfiber™ may be useful as an adjunct therapy for SIBO by increasing the efficacy of antibiotics, which is the first line of treatment for SIBO in eradicating SIBO (Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 32: 1000-1006 (2010)).

Study 6:
In this clinical trial, healthy female volunteers were orally administered 6g Sunfiber™ daily for 2 weeks and the composition of their gut microbiome was compared before and after Sunfiber™ supplementation. Sunfiber™ supplementation resulted in significant increase in Bifidobacterium levels, as well as butyrate (short-chain fatty acid)-producing bacteria. Compared to baseline, the Bifidobacteria levels remained significantly higher for 2 weeks after stopping Sunfiber™ supplementation, indicating its  long-lasting benefits (Benef Microbes. 6(4):451-5 (2015)).

Study 7:
In this clinical trial, healthy adults with loose stools were orally administered 5g Sunfiber™ for 12 weeks. Compared to placebo group, Sunfiber™ supplementation resulted in significant increase in Bifidobacterium level and normalisation of stool form. These findings suggest that Sunfiber™ serves as a prebiotic fiber, as well as aiding in bowel regularity (Nutrients. 11(9) (2019)).

2) Immune health
PHGG is a prebiotic fiber derived from guar gum and contains glucomannan. Bacteria in the colon ferments glucomannan into short-chain fatty acids, which provide far-reaching benefits for gastrointestinal and immune health.

Study 1:
In this clinical trial, patients admitted to Hokusei Hospital were orally administered PHGG at 5.2 g/day at mealtimes, or placebo. After starting the PHGG administration for 2 months, incidence of influenza during hospitalisation, stool pH and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSS) were compared between the two groups. Results showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the incidence of influenza between PHGG and placebo groups, with greater incidence of influenza in the placebo group. In addition, the placebo group had more patients with high stool pH, as well as with very poor BSS, which score 1 or 7. The average pH for a healthy person is in the range of 7.0 to 7.5. A high stool pH could be due to deficiency of beneficial bacteria, short-chain fatty acids and fiber. These findings suggest the beneficial effect of PHGG on the intestinal environment and immune health, which contributes to reducing the incidence of influenza. 

3) Gastrointestinal tolerance of low FODMAP supplement

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is commonly treated by adjusting the diet of IBS patients. Increasing the intake of dietary fiber and limiting the intake of FODMAP are the two frequent recommendations for IBS patients. As most fibers are high in FODMAP, this results in a limited number of suitable dietary fibers for IBS patients. Sunfiber™ is however different. This unique fiber, which is low in FODMAP and yet providing a rich source of dietary fiber, would be an ultimate choice for IBS patients. In this clinical trial, healthy adults (19 – 32 years old) were orally administered either one of 3 types of low FODMAP supplements, or positive control, which is 5g fructooligosaccharides (FOS) mixed in lactose-free milk. Following treatment consumption, breath hydrogen was measured at baseline, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours. Hydrogen breath test is a test for lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth in small intestines. Compared to positive control, all three of the low FODMAP supplements resulted in lower breath hydrogen response at 3 and 4 hours after consumption. This indicates that low FODMAP formulas may be better tolerated in individuals with IBS.

Research proven health benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG:

Supports gastrointestinal health
Some probiotics secrete antibiotic-like substances that kill harmful bacteria. In this clinical trial, renal patients with positive vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were orally administered 100 g yogurt containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or control daily for 4 weeks. Their faecal samples were collected 3 times at about weekly intervals. All patients administered with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG cleared VRE, while 11 out of 12 patients administered control remained VRE-positive. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG as a probiotic therapy for gastrointestinal health of renal patients.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition, which causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. In this clinical trial, patients with IBS were orally administered 12 x 109 Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or control daily for 6 weeks. The patients were required to complete IBS severity score system (IBS-SSS) questionnaire on a weekly basis. Compared to control, there was a significant reduction in IBS-SSS from baseline to week 6 for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG group, suggesting that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG could be an effective therapy for patients with IBS.

Probiotics could promote a faster recovery of acute diarrhea by acting against the harmful bacteria that causes the diarrhea, as well as reduce inflammation and damage to the gut. In this clinical trial, children ages 1 month to 3 years with acute-onset diarrhea were administered oral rehydration solution plus live Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (at least 1010 CFU per 250 ml) or placebo. The same rehydration solution was freely accessible to the patients until diarrhoea stopped. Compared to placebo, there was a significant reduction in the duration of diarrhea in the treated group. In addition, the hospital stays were significantly shorted in treated group than placebo. These findings suggest that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG helps relieve acute diarrhea in children. 
 

Support healthy immune system
Probiotics help restore the gut flora balance, which helps improve immunity. In this clinical trial, healthy volunteers were orally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for 5 weeks and the effect on cellular immune response to intestinal microorganisms was determined. Oral administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG increased the activational response of
T-lymphocytes (immune cells) towards intestinal microorganisms. In addition, the activational response of T lymphocytes on “non-self” intestinal flora was higher than by “self” intestinal flora. These findings suggest the beneficial effects on the cellular immune system of healthy volunteers (J Dairy Res. 70(2):165-173 (2003)).

Reduce risk of caries development
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may be beneficial in maintaining optimal oral health. In this clinical trial, children aged 1 – 6 years old received the milk containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for 5 days a week for 7 months and their oral health was recorded at baseline and at the end of the study. Results showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG helped reduce the risk of caries significantly, especially in the 3- to 4-year-old children. These findings suggest that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG holds the potential for supporting dental health in children.
 

Support respiratory health
Respiratory and gastrointestinal infections are common among the children. However, no effective approach is available in reducing the risk of these infections. In this clinical trial, 742 hospitalised children were orally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG at a dose of 109 CFU in 100 ml of a fermented milk product or placebo, which is the same fermented milk
product without Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Compared to placebo, there was a significantly reduction in the risk of respiratory tract infection and episodes of respiratory tract infections that lasted more than 3 days. In addition, the risk of gastrointestinal tract infections, episodes of gastrointestinal tract infections that lasted more than 2 days, vomiting episodes and diarrheal episodes are significantly lower in Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG group, compared to placebo. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in maintaining respiratory and gastrointestinal health in children.

Help reduce food allergy
Food allergy is a growing health concerns for children. IgE-mediated food allergies triggers an abnormal immune response when exposed to one or more specific foods, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. In this clinical trial, infants with suspected cow’s milk allergy (CMA) were orally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or placebo for 4 weeks. Compared to placebo, there was a greater reduction in Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index in Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG group from baseline to 4 weeks after the treatment, suggesting the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in mitigating eczema symptoms in children with food allergy.

Research-proven efficacy of 5-layer microencapsulation:

The following were extracted from clinical studies and for referencing purpose only. This does not imply that the product is claimed to treat, cure or prevent any disease.

1) Increases survival rate of probiotics
A freeze-dry was carried out to compare the number of probiotics that were uncoated or embedded with the patented 5-layer microencapsulation. The result showed a higher survival rate with 10,000 times higher efficiency among probiotics that were encapsulated than those uncoated form.

2) Protects probiotics against high temperatures
Uncoated probiotics and probiotics embedded in the patented 5-layer microencapsulation were stored at 40oC for 4 weeks. Results showed probiotics protected by the patented microencapsulation against the heat were 1 billion times more resilient than the uncoated form.

3) Maintains stability during storage
Uncoated probiotics and probiotics embedded in patented 5-layer microencapsulation were stored at ambient temperature for 12 months and a stability test was conducted. The patented microencapsulated group showed higher stability with 10 billion times more survivals than the uncoated form.

4) Resistance to gastric acid and bile
Uncoated probiotics and probiotics embedded in patented 5-layer microencapsulation were kept in a gastric environment for 3 hours and 24 hours to determine their acid resistance and bile tolerance respectively. Results showed that gastric acid and bile caused minimal reduction of microencapsulated probiotics but a drastic decrease in the uncoated form.

5) Improves probiotics colonisation in the intestines
In this test, uncoated probiotics and probiotics embedded in patented 5-layer microencapsulation were placed in a gastricenvironment and studied for colonisation. Intestinal colonisation by microencapsulated probiotics was found to be 1027 times more efficient than the uncoated form.