Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Guar gum (E 412) is GRAS in food and re-evaluated by EFSA without safety concerns at current uses. Dehydrated weight-loss products containing guar gum were banned by FDA after esophageal obstruction reports, but as a normal food additive in low concentrations it is well tolerated.
What it is
Guar gum — galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar beans).
Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier (E 412).
Why it's flagged
- GI obstruction risk in concentrated/dehydrated products
- may cause bloating in some
What regulators actually say
"Guar gum is the ground endosperm of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus... GRAS when used as a food ingredient."
"The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern at the refined exposure assessment for the reported uses of guar gum (E 412) as a food additive."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS (21 CFR 184.1339); banned in weight-loss/swelling products
European Union — EFSA
E 412 re-evaluated 2017; no safety concern at current uses
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