Tragacanth
E413
E413, INS 413, tragacanth, gum tragacanth, tragacanth gum
What it is
A plant gum obtained from Astragalus species and used as a thickener, stabiliser and emulsifying texturiser, identified in the EU as E413.
Why BOTIA flags it
Tragacanth is a plant resin that swells in water and thickens. It has been used since ancient times in confectionery and pharmacy, and it is one of the most expensive gums, so it appears in specific products. The body does not digest it. The label tells you it is there, not how much it contains.
BOTIA CAN
- Detect E413 and common tragacanth-gum names.
- Show the texture and E-number context for the declared gum.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Determine the amount or botanical source species from the ingredient list.
- Infer a health effect from the presence of the gum alone.