Celiac disease is a serious digestive problem caused by aberrant immune system reactions triggered by proteins found in certain grains. Acacia gum is a compound that can be used in cooking and baking that is safe for celiac sufferers to consume, because it does not contain any gluten.
Acacia Gum
Acacia gum, also known as Arabic gum, is harvested from acacia trees. The gum can be found on the surface of these trees and is brown or colorless. Acacia gum has been used for more than 5,000 years and was first used by the Egyptians. This gum can be added to foods to alter their viscosity, and it is also incorporated into some pharmaceutical products.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that occurs when the immune system mounts an inflammatory response to gluten, a protein found in some grains. If you have celiac disease and consume gluten, your immune system will react strongly, and the resulting inflammation can cause pain, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Over time, celiac disease can cause permanent damage to the digestive tract.
Acacia Gum and Gluten
For people with celiac disease, the only effective treatment is to avoid all foods that contain gluten. Gluten is primarily found in barley, rye and wheat, but it can appear in other food ingredients, including foods made using machinery that has also been used to process wheat, barley and rye. However, acacia gum does not contain any gluten, so it is safe for people with celiac disease to consume, as long as it has not been contaminated with gluten-containing products.
Considerations
Use acacia gum at home when you bake. Gluten-free baking can be difficult because gluten has adhesive properties. This allows dough to become stretchy and elastic, and the presence of gluten helps keep baked goods from collapsing. Acacia gum and other vegetable gums can be used in baking because they also have adhesive properties, but they are safe for celiac disease sufferers
