Acacia fibers: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Acacia gum, Arabic
Scientific name(s)
Acacia senegal, Acacia arabica
Family or group:
Fibers and prebiotics
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Type 2 diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Acacia gum is of interest in the management of type 2 diabetes. Clinical research has shown that daily consumption of 30 g of Acacia gum powder for three months modestly reduces fasting glucose and HbA1c in adults on oral antidiabetic treatment. Other studies have explored the effect of Acacia gum on satiety and glycemic response in healthy subjects, using different doses of Acacia fiber mixed with orange juice. Participants reported less hunger and greater satiety with the 40 g dose. Blood glucose levels 30 minutes after ingestion were significantly lower with 20 g of fiber consumed compared with control, indicating an improved glycemic response. Acacia gum also contributes to modest reductions in LDL cholesterol levels, body mass index, and waist circumference, thus offering a natural adjunct for glycemic control and weight management in diabetic patients.
Posologie
Oral administration
20 - 40 g
3 - months
powder
Metabolic effect of gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): randomized, placebo controlled double blind trial
Effect of Gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) supplementation on visceral adiposity index (VAI) and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as indicators of cardiovascular disease (CVD): a randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial
Weight control ✪✪✪✪✪
A study evaluated the effect of a synbiotic combining probiotic strains of L. fermentum and Acacia gum on weight control and traits of metabolic syndrome in individuals with abdominal overweight. Participants consumed 10 g of Acacia gum daily in addition to the probiotic for 3 months. The results showed a significant reduction in fat mass, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and other indicators related to metabolic syndrome in individuals with abdominal overweight compared with placebo, indicating that the combination may improve parameters associated with overweight.
Posologie
Oral
10 g
12 weeks
powder
Synergies
Effects of Gum Arabic ingestion on body mass index and body fat percentage in healthy adult females: two-arm randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial
Metabolic syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
A study examined the effect of daily consumption of 20 g of Acacia gum in adults at risk of metabolic syndrome. After 12 weeks, participants who received Acacia gum showed significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fat-free mass, energy intake, and carbohydrate intake. In addition, they reported improvements in perceived bloating and bowel transit quality, as well as a reduction in appetite. These results suggest that Acacia gum could be a beneficial adjunct for preventive treatments targeting metabolic syndrome.
Posologie
Oral
20 g
12 weeks
powder
Oral and dental infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary research suggests that Acacia gum may play a beneficial role in combating oral and dental infections. One study found that chewing Acacia gum for 10 minutes, five times a day for one week, reduces dental plaque compared with a sugar-free gum. Another study, focusing on adults with mild gingivitis, shows that applying half a teaspoon of Acacia gum powder to the oral surface of the dentogingival areas for 5 minutes, then rinsing with tap water twice a day for 60 days, reduces dental plaque in patients with moderate, but not high, plaque accumulation compared with a placebo.nnAdditionally, a small clinical trial showed that applying an amount of gel containing Acacia gum and other plant extracts (Gumtone gel, Charak Pharma Pvt Ltd.) after brushing for 6 weeks reduces the severity of dental plaque, proving to be as effective as a 1% chlorhexidine gel.nn
Posologie
Oral administration
gel, powder, chewing gum
Properties
Antimicrobial
Acacia gum, thanks to its active components such as arabic compounds, cyanoglycosides, oxidases, peroxidases and pectinases, provides effective antibacterial mechanisms against periodontal pathogens. These substances play a role in caries prevention by inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which are responsible for tooth decay. A clinical study comparing the antibacterial effects of Acacia gum- and licorice-based mouthwashes with chlorhexidine in high caries-risk patients showed that the natural mouthwashes significantly reduced the amount of these bacteria, without the oral side effects observed with chlorhexidine, highlighting their potential as natural alternatives for caries control and safe long-term use.
Usages associés
Digestive effect
Acacia gum, recognized for its prebiotic effects, acts by modulating the intestinal microflora. It promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids in the colon, lowering intraluminal pH and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, while encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These bacteria secrete antimicrobial compounds that limit the colonization and adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to the intestinal epithelium, thereby reducing the risk of infections and supporting digestive health.
Usages associés
Immunomodulatory
Acacia gum, known for its prebiotic properties, has also demonstrated significant immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. In one study, Acacia gum increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced C-reactive protein in hemodialysis patients, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Another study including patients with sickle cell anemia also highlighted its immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. It found that daily consumption of Acacia gum significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels, confirming the results of the previous study.
Gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) Augmented Total Antioxidant Capacity and Reduced C-Reactive Protein among Hemodialysis Patients in Phase II Trial
Effect of Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) on C-reactive protein level among sickle cell anemia patients
Metabolic
Acacia gum, as a dietary fiber, may be useful for promoting weight loss by increasing satiety, affecting gastric emptying, intestinal hormone secretion, and slowing intestinal glucose absorption. A clinical study showed that taking 40 g of Acacia gum with breakfast improved hunger and satiety scores at various times after ingestion compared with a placebo, highlighting its potential benefit for weight management.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult: 10 g - 30 g (powder)
It is recommended to consume 10 g (two tablespoons) of acacia fiber per day to see its benefits.nn
Interactions
Médicaments
Amoxicillin: strong interaction
A small study in healthy volunteers shows that taking amoxicillin and acacia gum at the same time significantly reduces amoxicillin absorption. Separate amoxicillin doses and acacia gum by at least 2 hours.
Precautions
Medication use: avoid
Acacia gum has been used as an osmotic suspending agent in drug formulations. It may improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs such as naproxen, but reduce the absorption of water-soluble drugs such as amoxicillin. To avoid drug interactions, take acacia gum 30 to 60 minutes after oral medications.
Pregnant women: use with caution
Acacia gum, generally considered safe when consumed in the amounts found in foods, does not have well-established contraindications for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in dietary amounts.
Breastfeeding women: use with caution
Acacia gum, generally considered safe when consumed in the amounts found in foods, does not have well-established contraindications for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in dietary amounts.
