Fiber Supplement Plus Calcium, Chewable Tablets

Question
Hi there

I recently picked up a chewable fiber+calcium container (Walgreens brand) and saw that it contained "partially hydrogenated guar gum".  I was wondering if this ingredient is safe. I ask because of the bad reputation that "partially hydrogenated oils" have, but not sure if there is any connection other than the process of "partially hydrogenating".  thank you

Answer
Hi Chris,

I'm confused for at least two reasons:

1. The term 'partially hydrogenated' describes an _oil_ which has been lightly to moderately hydrogenated to shift the melting point to a higher temperature range and increase the stability of the oil. Partially hydrogenated oils remain liquid and are used in a wide variety of food applications.

Guar gum is a water soluble fiber, which contains no oil so I'm having a hard time imagining how "partially hydrogenated guar gum" is possible at all.

2. Now, I'm looking at ingredient list of the "Fiber Supplement Plus Calcium, Chewable Tablets" by Walgreens.

It reads: "Inulin a Natural Vegetable Fiber, Sorbitol, Calcium Carbonate, Citric Acid , Magnesium Stearate, Artificial Flavors, FD/C Blue 2 Aluminum Lake, Cholecalciferol Vitamin D3" -- could you please send me the exact list of ingredients on your bottle?

= TZ

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