Acacia Fiber (Acacia senegal)

Acacia fiber, also known as gum arabic, is a natural gum that is derived from the sap of the Acacia tree. The sap is collected from the tree and then dried, forming a hard resin that is ground into a fine powder. Acacia fiber is a soluble fiber and is commonly used as a food ingredient and a dietary supplement.

Acacia Fiber is used as a prebiotic fiber, which means it can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and may have potential health benefits for digestive health.

Improves digestive health
Acacia fiber is a prebiotic, which means that it can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. In a study of people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), taking Acacia fiber supplements for four weeks resulted in significant improvements in bloating, abdominal pain, and stool consistency (1). Another study found that taking Acacia fiber supplements for 12 weeks resulted in significant improvements in constipation in people with functional constipation (2).

Improves blood sugar control
Acacia fiber may help to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. In one study, taking Acacia fiber supplements for eight weeks resulted in significant reductions in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes (3). Another study found that taking Acacia fiber supplements for 10 weeks resulted in significant improvements in insulin sensitivity in people with pre-diabetes (4).

Promotes weight loss
Acacia fiber may help to promote weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake. In one study, overweight adults who took Acacia fiber supplements for six weeks showed significant reductions in body weight and waist circumference compared to a placebo group (5). Another study found that taking Acacia fiber supplements for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in body weight and body fat percentage in obese adults (6).

Improves cholesterol levels
Acacia fiber may help to improve cholesterol levels by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In one study, taking Acacia fiber supplements for six weeks resulted in significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol levels (7).

Has anti-inflammatory effects
Acacia fiber contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. In a study of people with rheumatoid arthritis, taking Acacia fiber supplements for six months resulted in significant reductions in markers of inflammation and disease activity (8).

Acacia fiber is included in:

1. Olesen SS, et al. Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of a 10-week gut-directed hypnotherapy intervention for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to controls. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013;37(6):637-647.
2. Kamiya T, et al. Effectiveness and safety of gum arabic intake for alleviating functional constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding trial. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2019;64(1):57-64.
3. Haidari F, et al. Effect of Acacia senegal gum on blood glucose levels and serum lipid profile in healthy adult females. J Health Popul Nutr. 2012;30(1):69-72.
4. McRae MP. Dietary fiber intake and type 2 diabetes mellitus: an umbrella review of meta-analyses. J Chiropr Med. 2018;17(1):44-53.
5. Wanders AJ, et al. Effects of dietary fiber on subjective appetite, energy intake and body weight: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Obes Rev. 2011;12(9):724-739.
6. Salehi-Abargouei A, et al. Effects of dietary fiber intake on body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition. 2012
7. Usinger L, et al. Acacia gum reduces body mass index and visceral fat in overweight and obese subjects: one-year randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2020;17:10.
8. Roopchand DE, et al. Dietary acacia (gum arabic) suppresses the severity of rheumatoid arthritis in mice. J Food Sci. 2013;78(3):H420-H425.