Gellan Gum may sound very strange to this article’s readers. Interestingly some of us have consumed it before; it’s just that you do not know its actual name. Gellan gum is a non-natural highly viscous fiber produced by Sphingomonas elodea, a non-pathogenic bacterium. However, the product can also be obtained commercially by the fermentation process. The fiber has two forms: high acyl known as HA and low acyl, LA.
The fiber quickly forms a gel at low concentrations upon cooling solutions at a high temperature in the presence of gel cations.
Properties of Gellan Gum
There are two varieties of Gellan Gum: High acyl and low acyl gum. Some of their properties are:
- High acyl is normally opaque in appearance whereas low-acyl Gellan is clear.
- Both High acyl and Low acyl release a pleasant flavor.
- It has a clean mouthfeel.
- High acyl melts at temperatures between 160 to 167 degrees Celsius whereas low-acyl Gum melts at 80 to 140 degrees Celsius.
- High-acyl Gellan is highly elastic, whereas low-acyl is more brittle.
- High-acyl hydrates at 85 degrees Celsius whereas Low-acyl hydrates at 95 degrees Celsius.
- It is soluble in water.
- It is white in appearance.
What are the Benefits of Gellan Glum to Human Beings
Gellan gum treats constant diarrhea in human beings. The fiber is highly beneficial, especially to patients in decreasing the number of diarrhea episodes and several liquid fecal matters. It also has a similar therapeutic effect on children but almost negligible effect on adults.
It is known to lower high blood pressure. When the fiber is regularly ingested with meals, it slowly lowers blood pressure in patients suffering from hypertension.
Fiber is highly helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. According to a study, Gellan gum was found to have reduced cholesterol levels by 10 percent. The fiber, together with pectin when ingested with a smaller amount of insoluble fiber, reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) but does not affect the high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Gellan gum helps in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Oral ingestion of the fiber lowers stomach pains in some consumers. Additionally, it improves how the bowel functions hence offsetting irritable bowel syndrome.
Gellan gum boosts digestion by hindering constipation. The substance has been proven to lower constipation levels in the body as it acts as a fecal bulking agent. It increases transmission time and raises fecal bile acid levels.
Popular Gellan Gum Suppliers
Below is a list of Gellan Gum suppliers in the market currently.
- Career Henan Chemical Co.
- Chongqing Chemdad Co. Ltd
- Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co. Ltd
- Hebei Huanhao Biotechnology Company Limited
- Henan Tianfu Chemical Company Limited.
- Chemwill Asia Company Limited.
- Zhonglan Industry Company Limited
- Haihang Industry Company Limited
Side Effects of Gellan Gum
It is not any special from other drugs that have some side effects on the consumers. Examples of these side effects are:
Excessive consumption of Gellan gum is associated with abdominal bloating and excess flatulence. It also results in loose stools.
Gellan Gum triggers an undesirable laxative effect when ingested in large quantities due to intestinal flora fermentation. To avoid this, it should only be consumed in strict adherence to the recommended dosage.
It is said to immensely endanger medical surgeries. Since fiber affects the levels of blood glucose in the body during and after surgery, ingestion is discouraged. Consumption of the fiber should not be done at least two weeks before the operation to avoid risking your body during surgery.
Misguided Myths About Gellan Gum
Gellan Gum increases the chances of getting diabetes and worsens the condition in people who already have it. This is an erroneous belief as Gellan gum lowers blood pressure hence helping to contain diabetes.
The fiber causes stomach problems: This is not factual as the fiber helps to facilitate the digestion of food. Indigestion is the leading cause of stomach-related issues.
it is highly cancerous to human beings. The fiber does not contain any harmful chemicals likely to facilitate the growth of cancerous cells in the body.
Gellan Gum has no side effects: this is inaccurate as no drug known to humankind has no side effects on the body. The human body is designed to react to any chemical introduced to it. However,gellan gum has mild side effects. However, if a consumer experiences overwhelming side effects, he or she should seek urgent medical attention. Important to note is that the substance has been approved as it contains no toxic substances harmful to human beings.
