Pisey I - Comment

Nexira petition for the expanded use of gum arabic as a food additive meeting the categorical exclusion found in §25.32 (k). After researching about gum arabic and its many usefulness in the food industry both functionally and nutritionally, it is determined that gum arabic has an impact on its environment and it may act to replace the macronutrients in food with physiological effects on the body. The research of Ali et al., (2009) indicated that gum arabic has the potential to assist the small intestine to absorb sodium, an electrolyte that may reduce the likelihood of diarrhea. According to Daniells (2008) and Karg (2000), gum arabic act as a fermenter in the large intestine thus increase the production of bacterial cells which promotes both prebiotic and probiotic factors. According to Karg (2000), gum arabic decreases the workload on kidneys because it decreases the urinary nitrogen excretion and increases the fecal nitrogen excretion. The anti-oxidant properties are found in gum arabic is beneficial to the renal, hepatic and cardiac toxicities in rat (Ali, et al., 2009). Due to the nutritional factors in gum arabic such as anti-oxidant properties, fermentation in the large intestine and absorption of dietary cholesterol are sources energy, hence, gum arabic provides macronutrients to the human body. In that case, gum arabic, does not meet the categorical exclusion in §25.32 (k) and should not get expanded use in food until further research is conducted. Reference: Ali, B.H.; Ziada, A. and Blunden, G. (2009). Biological Effects of Gum Arabic: A Review of Some Recent Research. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 47: 1-8. Daniells, S. (2008). Gum Arabic shows prebiotic potential in humans: Study. Retrieved from http://www.nutraingredients.com/content/view/print/227323. Karg, C. (2000). The Nutritional Benefits of Gum Arabic (acacia gum). Nutraceuticals Now. Retrieved from http://www.nutraceuticalsnow.com/issues/back/2000winter/gum_arabic.php