Contents
Gum Arabic (Acacia gum, gum arabic, E414)
Gum arabic (from the Latin gummi – gum and arabicus – Arabian) is a polysaccharide of natural origin, also known as a food additive with the index E414, which is part of the group of stabilizers, thickeners, emulsifiers. Gum arabic is a transparent acacia resin that is harvested by hand (calorizator). The trunks of acacia trees are cut in a special way to accelerate the release of resin, then the substance is purified by refining. The use of gum arabic began more than 4 thousand years ago, today the main suppliers of the substance are Sudan, Chad and other African states.
Main Characteristics of Gum Arabic
Gum arabic can look like a solidified resin of yellow or light brown color, white fine powder or crystals that look like pieces of amber. The substance is well soluble in water, practically not absorbed by the small intestine and stomach of a person. Gum arabic is an excellent defoamer and emulsifier.
The use of Gum Arabic
E414 compares favorably with many food additives in that it is not an allergen, moreover, it removes heavy metal salts and radionuclides from the body. Contains natural fiber, helps to reduce the level of glucose and cholesterol. Gum arabic has the property of prolonging the digestive process, which means that the feeling of satiety remains for a long time. E414 accelerates lipid metabolism, thereby contributing to weight loss. The permissible daily intake of Gum Arabic is 2 grams per kilogram of weight.
Application of E414
The main use of gum arabic is found in the food industry, increasing the shelf life of food products and being a connector of non-connected structures that prevents the stratification of the product. The substance reduces the formation of foam and lumps, prevents sugaring. It is used in the production of beer and non-alcoholic carbonated drinks, jams and marmalades, glazes and fillings for sweets, pastilles and cookies, processed cheeses, ice cream, yoghurts and cream, semi-finished meat products,bread and pastries. It is included in some soft drinks as an emulsifier, for example, diet “Coca-Cola”.
Gum arabic is also used in the manufacture of watercolors and inks, adhesives and craquelures, the pharmaceutical industry uses the substance in the production of emulsions and suspensions, tablet shells and capsules. In cosmetology, Gum Arabic is a part of cosmetic masks, lotions and protective creams.
Use of E414
On the territory of our country, the use of Gum Arabic as a food additive-emulsifier is allowed, provided that the norms of daily consumption of the substance are met.