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Anything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Liquid Thickener
What are thickeners used for?
Liquid thickeners are added to liquids, soups, and purées to increase their viscosity or thickness.
There are multiple types and forms of liquid thickeners on the market today. One common and popular type of thickener is xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of glucose, sucrose, or lactose. Xanthan gum is widely used in the food industry as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It is commonly used in food items like salad dressings, sauces, gravies, syrup, baked goods, dairy products, ice cream, and low-fat spreads to name a few.
Another thickener used in liquids is carrageenan, derived from red seaweed. Carrageenan is used in the food industry as a thickener and stabilizer for products. Like xanthan gum, carrageenan is also used in ice cream and salad dressings. It can also be found in some yogurts.
Gellan gum and guar gum are two other popular thickeners. Gellan gum is made by bacterial fermentation and is also used as a gel former. It's commonly used in vegan dairy products like yogurt and sour cream. Guar gum is derived from guar beans and is regularly used in food and beverages, as well as in pharmaceuticals and oil & gas industries as a thickener and rheology modifier.
In addition to the above-mentioned thickening agents, many other types of thickeners are available, including starches, gums, and protein-based thickeners. The thickener you choose will depend on the desired properties of the final product, as well as the specific requirements of the application.
Pros and Cons of Thickened Liquids for Dysphagia
Pros of Thickened Liquids:
- Safer and Easier to Swallow: The increased viscosity of the liquid thickeners can help slow the transit of fluids and semi-solids, allowing more time to coordinate safe swallowing.
- Reduces Risk of Aspiration: Because thickened liquids are slower and easier to manage, they are more likely to go where it's supposed to, the esophagus, then travel down to the stomach. This also decreases the risk of the beverage entering the trachea and traveling into the lungs.
- Improved Hydration and Nutrition: Dehydration and malnutrition are complications associated with dysphagia. Thickened liquids can make it easier and safer for individuals with dysphagia to stay hydrated and consume the nutrients their bodies need.
- Easy to Purchase and Use: Most thickened beverages can be prepared easily with an over-the-counter thickening powder or gel that can be easily purchased in-store or online.
Cons of Thickened Liquids:
- Taste and Texture: Many thickeners can change the taste and texture of the original liquid or semi-solid food, making the thickened item less appealing and palatable.
- Finding the Right Consistency: Finding and making a consistent thickness that best meets your need hasn't always been easy. Fortunately, with the help of IDDSI (1), there are now standards for professionals and businesses to follow for measuring, making, and testing thickened liquids.
- Cost: Thickening agents can be expensive, which may financially burden some individuals or care facilities. It may keep some individuals from using them or force them to use a less desirable thickener.
- Possible Side Effects: Some thickeners may cause side effects such as bloating, gas, and constipation.
- Not Suitable For All: Some thickeners contain allergens or ingredients that compound medical conditions. It's always important to check with your healthcare professional before using them.
- A modified diet that includes thickened beverages should be tailored to each individual's needs and preferences and should always be planned under the guidance of a speech therapist, doctor, or dietitian.
1.© The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative 2019 @ https://iddsi.org/framework.
Three Good Reasons To Use A Liquid Thickener