Tragacanth Gum

Gum Tragacanth as a Food Additive

Gum tragacanth may be used as a thickener and emulsifier in dairy products, frozen desserts, jams and other foods. It is also used as a soothing agent (demulcent) in cough syrups, toothpastes and denture adhesives. In the European Union, it is labeled as E number E413 ^[2].

Gum Tragacanth Supplements

There is INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE about effectiveness of gum tragacanth supplements in prevention or treatment of high blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, diarrhea, constipation, cancer, respiratory infections or HIV/AIDS ^[1,3].

Gum Tragacanth Safety and Side Effects

Gum tragacanth is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ^[4]. No serious side effects were reported ^[3]. Be sure to take tragacanth with sufficient amount of water to prevent choking or intestinal blockage.

Pregnancy. Not enough studies have been done to evaluate the safety of gum tragacanth supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding ^[3].

Related Nutrients

• Soluble dietary fiber
• Acacia (arabic gum)
• Guar gum
• Xanthan gum