Guar Gum: Side Effects

While guar gum has much to offer the paper, cosmetics and food industries, it also has a number of negative effects when it comes to food-grade products. Due to the nature of this ingredient, it has been shown to have many uncomfortable and harmful side effects on the digestive system. Because some of these side effects can become severe, the usage of guar gum has been restricted in certain products.

Significance

• Guar gum is used as a thickening agent in many food items such as baked goods, nutritional supplements and dairy products. Guar gum is an economical thickener due to the small amount that is needed to produce a thicker viscosity.

Benefits

• Guar gum can be used as an emulsifier in many food items such as sauces and dressings. It helps the oil-based and water-based ingredients to mix completely rather then having a separation of the two. Guar gum also helps with the mouthfeel of many products that may otherwise be unappealing, such as toothpastes and ice creams.

Effects

• Guar gum, because it is a water-soluble fiber, can have a laxative effect on many who consume it. Although it can help promote a healthy colon and those suffering from constipation or someone who is looking to regulate their bowel movements, it can become an uncomfortable side effect from consuming a product containing guar gum.

Warning

• Because of its laxative effect, guar gum was once used in many diet and weight-loss over-the-counter products. However, due to significant intestinal distress and dangerous blockages, guar gum is no longer approved for use in these products. Guar gum also absorbs liquid creating the feeling of being full which can be good for losing weight, but can also be a risky strain on the digestive system.

History

• Guar gum comes from a guar bean that is then processed and turned into guar gum. Guar gum is most often found in powder form, but when combined with other ingredients, it can also be found in liquid or gel form.