Acacia Fiber: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Acacia gum, Arabic gum
Scientific name(s)
Acacia senegal, Acacia arabica
Family or group:
Fibers and Prebiotics
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Type 2 Diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Acacia gum is promising in managing 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 dosages of Acacia fibers mixed with orange juice. Participants reported less hunger and more satiety with the 40 g dosage. Blood glucose levels 30 minutes after ingestion were significantly lower with 20 g of fibers consumed compared to control, indicating an improved glycemic response. Acacia gum also contributes to the modest reduction of LDL cholesterol levels, body mass index, and waist circumference, offering a natural complement for glycemic control and weight management in diabetic patients.
Posologie
Oral
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 with Acacia gum on weight control and metabolic syndrome traits in individuals with abdominal overweight. Participants consumed 10 g of Acacia gum daily in addition to the probiotic for 3 months. Results showed a significant reduction in body fat, weight, BMI, waist circumference, and other factors related to metabolic syndrome in individuals with abdominal overweight compared to placebo, indicating that the combination can 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 on adults at risk of metabolic syndrome. After 12 weeks, participants receiving Acacia gum showed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lean mass, energy and carbohydrate intake. Additionally, they reported improvements in bloating perception and quality of intestinal transit, as well as a reduction in appetite. These results suggest that Acacia gum could be a beneficial complement for preventative treatments targeting metabolic syndrome.
Posologie
Oral
20 g
12 - weeks
Powder
Oral Infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary research suggests that Acacia gum might play a beneficial role in combating oral infections. One study revealed that chewing Acacia gum for 10 minutes, five times a day for a week, reduces dental plaque compared to sugar-free gum. Another research, focusing on adults with mild gingivitis, shows that applying half a teaspoon of Acacia gum powder to the buccal surface of gingival areas for 5 minutes, then rinsing with tap water twice daily for 60 days, decreases dental plaque in patients with moderate, but not high, plaque buildup compared to a placebo. Additionally, a small clinical trial showed that applying a 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 as effective as a 1% chlorhexidine gel.
Posologie
Oral route
gel, powder, chewing gum
Properties
Antimicrobial
Acacia gum, thanks to its active components such as arabic, cyanoglycosides, oxidases, peroxidases, and pectinases, provides effective antibacterial mechanisms against periodontal pathogens. These substances help prevent cavities by inhibiting the development of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, responsible for dental degradation. A clinical study comparing the antibacterial effects of mouthwashes based on Acacia gum and licorice to chlorhexidine in patients at high risk of cavities showed that natural mouthwashes significantly reduced the amount of these bacteria, without the oral side effects observed with chlorhexidine, highlighting their potential as natural alternatives for cavity 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 the intraluminal pH and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, while encouraging beneficial bacteria like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These secrete antimicrobial compounds that limit the colonization and adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to the intestinal epithelium, thereby reducing infection risks and supporting digestive health.
Usages associés
Immunomodulator
Acacia gum, known for its prebiotic properties, has also demonstrated significant immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. In a study, Acacia gum increased the total antioxidant capacity and reduced C-reactive protein in hemodialysis patients, reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Another study involving sickle cell anemia patients also highlighted its immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. It revealed that daily consumption of Acacia gum significantly reduced the level of C-reactive protein, 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, could be useful for promoting weight loss by increasing satiety, influencing 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 different times after ingestion compared to a placebo, highlighting its beneficial potential for weight management.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult: 10 g - 30 g (powder)
It is recommended to consume 10 g (two tablespoons) of acacia fiber per day to observe its benefits.
Interactions
Médicaments
Amoxicillin: strong interaction
A small study conducted with healthy volunteers shows that simultaneous intake of amoxicillin and acacia gum significantly reduces the absorption of amoxicillin. Separate amoxicillin doses from acacia gum by at least 2 hours.
Precautions
Medication intake: avoid
Acacia gum has been used as a suspenion osmotic agent in drug formulations. It could enhance the bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs like naproxen, but reduce the absorption of water-soluble drugs like 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 amounts found in food, has no well-established contraindications for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in dietary quantities.
Nursing women: use with caution
Acacia gum, generally considered safe when consumed in amounts found in food, has no well-established contraindications for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in dietary quantities.
