Guar gum is needed for producing sufficient viscosity. Because less is required, costs are reduced. This would help explain its presence in so many things today. In addition to guar gum's effects on viscosity, its high ability to flow, or "deform", gives it very favorable rheological properties. It forms breakable gels when cross-linked with boron. It is used in various multi-phase formulations for hydraulic fracturing, in some as an emulsifier because it helps to prevent oil droplets from coalescing, and in others as a stabilizer to help prevent solid particles from settling and/or separating. Fracking entails the pumping of sand-laden fluids into
Guar gum also known to cause small sores or lesions as well as chronic diarrhea (IBS). Manufacturers and suppliers will sometimes substitute guar Gum, xanthan gum and cellulose gum in formulations, without changing product labels. Often, blends of all these ingredients are sold as cellulose gum. If allergic to guar gum, the most common foods to suspect contamination from are frozen dairy/ice treats, soft cheeses (cream cheese, ricotta), salad dressing and baked goods. In July 2007, the European Commission issued a health warning to its member states after high levels of dioxins were detected in a food additive - guar gum -