E412 Guar Gum
Guar Gum is a food additive used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in many food substances including many gluten free and, so called, ‘allergy free’ foods. It is frequently seen as a safe additive as it is natural – the gum is extracted from the guar bean.
Unfortunately, just because something is ‘natural’ does not mean that it is ‘safe’ for everyone. As yet there have been virtually no reports in the medical literature dealing with adverse reactions to ingesting the additive but there are an increasing number of studies that have linked guar gum with health problems in the work environment. My research experience shows me that this is often an indicator that in the future reports will begin to appear dealing with reactions from ingested guar gum. Papanikolaou et al have already reported on a case of a 52 year old man who experienced an anaphylactic shock to guar gum in a meal substitute.[1]
Less severe reactions may have been experienced by people and not been identified as the result of ingestion of guar gum.
The type of food products guar gum is found in include:
Baked goods and baking mixes, cereals, fat reduced spreads, non-dairy deserts, beverages, some cheeses, gravies, jams, jellies, sauces, soup mixes and soups, syrups, toppings, vegetable juices, processed vegetables and deep-frozen foods.
Non food products include supplements, slimming aids, face creams, toothpastes, cosmetics, local anaesthetics, carpets, pet food, rubber cables. Roesch et al report on the case of a 63 year old man who experienced a life threateneing recation to a local anaesthetic gel used by his dentist. After various tests, guar gum was identified as the problem ingredient. [2]
The use of guar gum in slimming aids is proving to be a contreversial area as there are potentially serious health consequences if too much is ingested. [3]
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References
1. Papanikolaou I, Stenger R, Bessot JC, de Blay F, Pauli G. Anaphylactic shock to guar gum (food additive E412) contained in a meal substitute. Allergy. 2007 Jul;62(7):822.
2. Roesch A, Haegele T, Vogt T, Babilas P, Landthaler M, Szeimies RM. Severe contact urticaria to guar gum included as gelling agent in a local anaesthetic. Contact Dermatitis. 2005 Jun;52(6):307-8.
3.Guar Gum at ImmunoCap