What Is Gellan Gum? Uses, Benefits, and Safety

Gellan gum, also known as e418, welan gum, or agarose, is a polysaccharide produced by the bacterium _Sphingomonas elodea_ and used in the food industry as a gelling agent, stabilizer, and thickener. It is a water-soluble heteropolysaccharide composed of a linear chain of glucose, glucuronic acid, and rhamnose residues. Gellan gum is commercially produced by fermentation of _Sphingomonas elodea_ and subsequent purification.

Uses:

* Food industry: Gellan gum is used in the food industry as a gelling agent, stabilizer, and thickener. It is used in a variety of products, including jams, jellies, puddings, sauces, soups, and dairy products.

* Pharmaceutical industry: Gellan gum is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a thickening agent for topical and oral medications, as well as a binder in tablets and capsules.

* Cosmetics industry: Gellan gum is used in the cosmetics industry as a thickening agent, gelling agent, and stabilizer for a variety of products, including lotions, creams, gels, and shampoos.

* Industrial applications: Gellan gum is also used in a variety of industrial applications, such as papermaking, textile printing, and oil drilling.

Benefits:

* Gelling agent: Gellan gum is a powerful gelling agent that can be used to create gels of varying strengths and textures. It is also thermoreversible, meaning that it can be melted and re-solidified without losing its gelling properties.

* Stabilizer: Gellan gum can be used to stabilize emulsions and prevent the separation of oil and water. It can also be used to stabilize foams and prevent them from collapsing.

* Thickener: Gellan gum can be used to thicken sauces, soups, and other liquids. It can also be used to create a variety of textures, from smooth and creamy to thick and chunky.

* Synergist: Gellan gum can be used in combination with other gums and stabilizers to create synergistic effects. For example, it can be used with xanthan gum to create a strong and stable gel, or with carrageenan to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Safety:

Gellan gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. It is also approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Japan Food Additives Association (JFA).

However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to gellan gum. These reactions are typically mild and include symptoms such as itching, swelling, and hives. If you experience any adverse effects after consuming or using products containing gellan gum, you should stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Overall, gellan gum is a safe and versatile ingredient that is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial industries. It offers a variety of benefits, including gelling, stabilizing, thickening, and synergistic effects.

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