Propel Health Australia Highlights Clinical Research on PHGG and Skin Hydration
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined changes in skin hydration, transepidermal water loss and
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Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined changes in skin hydration, transepidermal water loss and elasticity following 12 weeks of PHGG intake
BRISBANE, Australia, Aug. 13, 2026 — Propel Health Australia is highlighting published clinical research examining the potential relationship between partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), a soluble prebiotic fiber, and several measures of skin condition in healthy adults.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, evaluated 70 healthy adults who were randomly assigned to receive either 5 grams of PHGG or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Researchers assessed skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elasticity and other skin parameters at baseline and during the study period.
Researchers reported improvements in several skin measurements among participants receiving PHGG, including hydration, TEWL and elasticity parameters. The study was conducted during winter, when environmental conditions can contribute to reduced skin moisture.
The researchers also reported changes in TEWL and viscoelasticity measurements after six weeks when compared with placebo. PHGG was reported to be well tolerated during the study period, with no adverse events recorded among participants.
Research Adds to Interest in the Gut-Skin Relationship
PHGG is a soluble dietary fiber commonly studied for its effects on digestive health and the intestinal microbiome. The latest research adds to scientific interest in the broader relationship between nutrition, the gut environment and skin physiology.
The clinical trial does not establish that changes in the gut microbiome directly caused the reported skin effects. Instead, the findings provide additional data for researchers examining how dietary factors may influence skin hydration and barrier function.
Grant Jenkins, Human Physiologist and Product Development Director at Propel Health Australia, said the research is noteworthy because it examines a dietary fiber generally associated with digestive health in a different physiological context.
“PHGG has traditionally been discussed primarily in relation to digestive health and the gut microbiome,” Jenkins said. “This study is interesting because researchers evaluated measurable skin parameters over a 12-week period rather than relying solely on subjective assessments.”
“The findings do not replace established approaches to skin care, including appropriate sun protection and general nutrition, but they contribute to the developing research around nutrition, the gut and skin health,” Jenkins added.
Study Evaluated Sunfiber PHGG
Supplementary information published with the study identifies the PHGG used in the clinical trial as Sunfiber AGC. Participants in the intervention group received 5 grams per day, containing more than 4 grams of soluble fiber, while the control group received a maltodextrin placebo.
Propel Health Australia’s PHGG powder is formulated with 100% PHGG identified by the company as Sunfiber. The product is positioned primarily as a dietary fiber supplement for digestive and microbiome support.
The company said the skin-related findings should be considered within the context of the individual clinical trial and should not be interpreted as evidence that PHGG prevents, treats or reverses skin aging.
Further research involving larger and more diverse populations will be important in determining the broader relevance of the findings and in better understanding the biological mechanisms that may connect dietary fiber, the intestinal environment and skin physiology.
Study Reference
Kapoor MP, Abe A, Morishima S, Nakajima A, Ozeki M, Sato N. Dietary intervention of prebiotic partially hydrolyzed guar gum improves skin viscoelasticity, stratum corneum hydration, and reduction of trans-epidermal water loss: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical study in healthy humans. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. 2025;76(1):96–115. doi:10.3164/jcbn.24-69.
About Propel Health Australia
Propel Health Australia develops nutritional supplements and educational resources focused on gut health, healthy aging and performance nutrition. The company offers PHGG and other nutritional products and states that its products are available through more than 550 pharmacies and health food stores across Australia.
Media Contact
Grant Jenkins
Propel Health Australia Pty Ltd
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 1300 440 528
