Ingredient guide
PHGG: the gentle prebiotic fibre, explained
Partially hydrolysed guar gum is one of the most useful and least understood fibres in gut health. It dissolves clear, it does not thicken, and it is tolerated by many people who cannot manage other fibre supplements. Here is what it is, what it does, and how to take it.
What PHGG actually is
Guar gum comes from the guar bean. In its raw form it is a thick, viscous fibre used to gel and stabilise food — not something you would want to drink. Partially hydrolysing it breaks those long chains into shorter ones, which changes everything about how it behaves.
The result is a soluble fibre that dissolves clear in water, adds no grittiness or thickness, and passes through the small intestine intact to reach the large bowel, where it becomes food for the bacteria already living there. That combination — prebiotic activity without viscosity — is why PHGG is used where other fibres are not tolerated.
Why it is described as a regulating fibre
Most fibre supplements are described as being for one problem. PHGG is unusual because it is used at both ends of the spectrum.
Where stools are loose and transit is fast, a soluble fibre can add form and slow things down. Where stools are hard and transit is slow, the same fibre can hold water and support easier movement. This is why PHGG is often described as supporting comfortable regularity rather than as a laxative or an anti-diarrhoeal.
- Soluble, prebiotic, and non-viscous — dissolves clear in water
- Feeds the beneficial bacteria already living in the large bowel
- Supports comfortable, regular bowel function
- FODMAP friendly and generally well tolerated day to day
How much to take, and when
A daily amount of 6 g is the efficacious dose. One 8.55 g serve of ULTIMABIOME™ Daily contains exactly that, mixed into 150–200 mL of water once daily, at any time of day, with or without food.
There is no need to take it on an empty stomach or at a particular hour. The single most important factor is consistency: most people who notice a change do so within about seven days, but four weeks of daily use is a fairer trial.
If you are new to fibre, or your gut is sensitive, starting with a part serve and building up over a week is a reasonable approach.
PHGG and a sensitive gut
PHGG is considered FODMAP friendly, which is the main reason it appears so often in the context of sensitive digestion. It does not thicken in the glass, it has almost no taste, and it does not carry the grit of husk-based fibres.
That said, any fibre increase can produce a temporary change in wind or fullness while the gut adjusts. Starting low and increasing gradually is the usual way to manage this. ULTIMABIOME™ is not suitable for children under 12 years. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, consult your healthcare professional before use.
Buying PHGG in Australia
PHGG is available in Australia as plain bulk powder and inside formulated blends. Plain powder is the cheapest way to get the fibre and nothing else. A formulated blend makes sense when you want more than fibre alone in a single daily habit.
ULTIMABIOME™ Daily is the second kind. It pairs 6 g of PHGG with 1,200 mg of Actazin® Green Kiwi Fruit Powder — two ingredients that gastroenterologists routinely recommended together, but which previously had to be bought separately and could be difficult to source in Australia. It is flavoured with 1,300 mg of dried whole raspberry powder, lightly sweetened with 50 mg of organic monk fruit extract, Australian owned, and packed in Australia.
Common questions
- What is PHGG?
- PHGG stands for partially hydrolysed guar gum. It is a soluble dietary fibre made from the guar bean, broken down so that it dissolves clear in water without thickening. It is used as a gentle daily fibre for people who want to support bowel regularity and feed the bacteria already living in the gut.
- Is PHGG a prebiotic?
- Yes. PHGG is a prebiotic soluble fibre, meaning it is not digested in the small intestine and instead becomes food for the beneficial bacteria in the large bowel.
- How much PHGG should I take per day?
- An efficacious daily amount is 6 g. ULTIMABIOME™ Daily delivers exactly 6 g of PHGG in one 8.55 g serve. If you are new to fibre, you may prefer to start with a smaller amount and build up.
- Is PHGG FODMAP friendly?
- PHGG is considered FODMAP friendly and is commonly used by people who are sensitive to other fibres. ULTIMABIOME™ does not hold a third-party Low FODMAP certification.
- How do I take PHGG?
- Mix one scoop (8.55 g) into 150–200 mL of water once daily, at any time of day, with or without food. PHGG dissolves clear and is close to tasteless on its own; an electric mixer helps it dissolve completely.
- How long does PHGG take to work?
- Many people notice a change within about seven days. Consistent daily use for up to four weeks is recommended before judging the result.
- Is PHGG good for constipation or for diarrhoea?
- PHGG is a regulating fibre, which is why it is used in both situations: it can add form and slow transit where stools are loose, and soften and support movement where they are hard. If symptoms are persistent or new, see a health professional.
- Where can I buy PHGG in Australia?
- PHGG is sold in Australia as plain bulk fibre powder and as part of formulated blends. ULTIMABIOME™ Daily combines 6 g of PHGG with 1,200 mg of Actazin® Green Kiwi Fruit Powder, is Australian owned, packed in Australia, and ships Australia-wide.