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E414 Gum Arabic

Origin:
A natural polysaccharide, produced from the tree Acacia senegal from tropical Africa.

Function & characteristics:
Thickening agent, stabiliser and emulsifier.

Products:
Many different products.

Acceptable Daily Intake:
None specified.

Side effects:
None known in the concentrations used, although high concentrations bring about flatulence and bloating, due to fermentation by the intestinal microflora (in the same way as all indigestible polysaccharides).

Dietary restrictions:
Gum arabic can be used by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.