Alternate Names

Kaday, Katilo, Kullo, Kuterra, Sterculia Gum, Indian Tragacanth

Description

Made from the dried sap from the trunk of the Stercuila trees which are native to India.

Additional Information

Karaya gum does not breakdown in the digestive track and has a laxative effect (most is eliminated through a bowl movement).

Found In

ice cream, frozen dairy desserts, milk products, soft candy, cheese, jelly, jam

Possible Health Effects

Can cause allergic reactions such as hay fever, asthma, dermatitis and gastrointestinal distress. Also see additional information section.

Allergy Information

May cause allergic reaction in sensitive individuals

Online Resources/Related

• The Journal of the American Medical Association, Karaya Gum (Indian Gum) Hypersensitivity, 1940, Karl D. Figley
• International Programme on Chemical Safety, Karaya Gum (WHO Food Additive Series 24), Posted October 1, 2009, Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives
• Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Vol 63, Exudate gums: occurrence, production, and applications, 2003, D. Verbeken, S. Dierckx, K. Dewettinck

Print Resources

• Winter, Ruth. A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives, 7th Edition: Descriptions in Plain English of More Than 12,000 Ingredients Both Harmful and Desirable Found in Foods. Three Rivers Press, 2009
• Statham, Bill. Eat Safe: The Truth about Additives from Aspartame to Xanthan Gum. Running Press, 2008
• Minich, Deanna M. An A-Z Guide to Food Additives: Never Eat What You Can't Pronounce. Conari Press, 2009
• Farlow, Christine Hoza, D.C.Food Additives: A Shopper's Guide To What's Safe & What's Not. KISS For Health Publishing, 2007 Revised Edition

Copyright September 5, 2010 Be Food Smart