Guar gum
Molecular structure
1 GALACTOSE UNIT FOR 2 MANNOSE RESIDUES
The main chain consists of (1-4) linked beta-D mannose residues and the side chain of (1-6) linked alpha-D galactose.
Guar gum has an overall ratio of mannose to galactose of around 2 : 1.
The galactose substituents are regularly distributed along the mannose chain.
In locust bean gum, the ratio of mannose to galactose is higher than in guar gum, giving it slightly different properties, and allowing the two gums to interact synergistically so that together they make a thicker gel than either one alone.