Additives

Tragacanth

Tragacanth

Other names Gum tragacanth, E413

Tragacanth: high in FODMAPs and oligosaccharides. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.

2
To avoid
0
Moderate
0
Watch
10
No trace

Intolerances

Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →

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Frequently asked questions

Which intolerances does Tragacanth affect?

Tragacanth is notable for FODMAPs and oligosaccharides. Clear on lactose, histamine, gluten, fructose, sorbitol, sucrose, tyramine, salicylate, nickel and oxalates.

Does Tragacanth contain FODMAPs?

Yes — Tragacanth is high in FODMAPs. Tragacanth is a dried shrub exudate, and if you have learned that FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates this level will look wrong. It is not: the criterion that matters is whether gut bacteria ferment it, not how long the chain is. Inulin runs to sixty sugar units and is still a FODMAP. These gums ferment, which is exactly why they thicken in the gut and produce gas. The criterion is fermentability rather than chain length, and that is Gibson and Shepherd's definition: a long chain that ferments slowly is not the problem; a short one that ferments fast in the proximal colon is.

Does Tragacanth contain oligosaccharides?

Yes — Tragacanth is high in oligosaccharides. Tragacanth is a plant exudate used as a thickener, and a substantial fraction of it ferments. Chain length would put it outside the oligosaccharides; behaviour in the colon puts it inside, and behaviour is what the level reflects. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.

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