Locust Bean Gum

PrebioticBest with a meal

What is it

Locust bean gum (carob bean gum, E410) is a galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), used as a thickener, stabilizer, and soluble fiber.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Infant reflux/regurgitation (thickened formula)

Good Evidence

Several trials show reduced regurgitation in infants with anti-reflux formulas thickened with locust bean gum.

Excipient/thickener

Limited Evidence

Primary function is technological rather than therapeutic.

How it works

As a soluble fiber, locust bean gum forms viscous solutions in water, slowing gastric emptying and the absorption of sugars and fats. It serves primarily as a food and pharmaceutical excipient (thickener, suspender) rather than a nutrient. In infant formula and as a thickener for reflux management, it reduces regurgitation events in some trials. As a soluble fiber, it modestly lowers postprandial glucose and cholesterol when used at higher dietary intakes.

Dosage

No RDA. Used as needed in foods (typically 0.1-1%). Therapeutic fiber doses are 5-15 g/day.

When and how to take it

WHEN: With meals. HOW: Use as a food thickener or in fiber supplements; drink adequate water.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Galactomannan powder

Standard food and supplement excipient form.

Not digested; ferments in colon.

Safety

Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). High doses can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Carob allergy is rare but possible. Concerns about contamination with E. sakazakii have been raised in infant formula contexts and are mitigated by sterile processing.

Who should be cautious

Safe at typical food levels. Caution in infants with feeding difficulties: use only thickeners formulated and approved for that purpose.

Interactions

May slow absorption of co-ingested medications; separate dosing by 1-2 hours.

Food sources

Ice cream, yogurt (as thickener)

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is locust bean gum vegan?⌄

Yes, it is from carob tree seeds.

Is it safe in my supplement?⌄

Yes. It is a GRAS food additive used in small amounts as a stabilizer.

References

Locust Bean Gum on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Locust Bean Gum on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Locust Bean Gum (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.