Should I worry about Xanthan Gum?

More caution is given to food labels than usual. As people become more and more aware of their health, more and more ingredients are being scrutinized, especially Additives. Xanthan Gum is one of these additives found in many foods, from salad dressings to gluten-free baked goods. It can also be found in personal care, industrial and pharmaceuticals.

Studies suggest that xanthan gum can lead to several health benefits, including alleviating constipation, lowering blood sugar levels, cholesterol and improving gut health. However, it can cause stomach discomfort and other side effects in some people. That raises the question: Should you worry about consuming Xanthan gum? In this article, we will explore what Xanthan gum is, its potential benefits and negative effects, and whether it should be avoided.

What is Xanthan Gum?

Xanthan Gum is a common additive that helps to thicken and stabilize a variety of products. It is made by fermentation Bacterial sugar Xanthomonas campestris. It is also soluble fiber because it dissolves in water and can form gel-like substances in the digestive system.

“This means that our body was unable to digest xanthan gum, which means that it had no nutritional value for us. However, recent research shows that humans carry bacteria (Luminocacidae) in their gut microbiota, which can break down xanthan.” Eric JohnsonSenior Lecturer of Biology at Johns Hopkins University. The human intestine is able to absorb by-products of the Luminococcus family during digestion, but they are also readily used by Bacteroides, a much more common group of human intestinal microbiomes. However, Johnson adds that further research is needed to understand the nutritional effects of xanthan gum.

Xanthan gum was the first I discovered it It was approved in 1960 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1968 and was used in food and drugs. It is considered a sustainable alternative to gums such as guar gum, gum arabic, alginate and pectin. Unlike these gums, Xanthan gum does not depend on specific climatic conditions for production and does not harm the ecosystem. Its high solubility, viscosity and thermal stability make it a reliable option for a wide range of applications.

What is Xanthan Gum?

Xanthan Gum is used in a wide range of food, personal care, industrial and pharmaceutical products.

Food

Xanthan gum in food It’s helpful It creates a softer mouthfeel and helps consumers taste better. It also enhances texture while maintaining consistency and moisture. Xanthan Gum baked goods are often low in calories and low in gluten.

Some common foods, including xanthan gum, include:

• Salad Dressing
• Soup and sausage
• Baked goods such as biscuits and cakes
• Processed meat
• gravy
• Ice cream and milkshakes
• Fruit-based drink/smoothie (not 100% fruit juice)

Personal Care Products

The presence of Xanthan Gum helps to improve the stability and texture of personal care products, preventing the separation of ingredients. Daily products containing Xanthan gum include:

• Toothpaste
• shampoo
• cream
• lotion

Industrial Products

Xanthan gum, an industrial product, improves stability, promotes better mixing, and maintains a stable pH. Standard industrial products with Xanthan gum are:

• Polish
• cleanser
• Water-based paint
• glue
• Textile and flooring print

Pharmaceuticals

“Beyond food, Xanthan gum is also found in medications such as liquid antibiotics (i.e. amoxicillin suspensions), cough syrup, topical preparations such as hydrocortisone cream, and various cosmetics,” he says. Thomas Hollandphysicians, researchers and associate professors at Rush University.

Xanthan Gum supports drug delivery by allowing for slow, controlled release and improved stability. It is commonly used in both brain and nasal delivery, topical therapy, and in both solid and liquid oral drugs.

Potential health benefits of Xanthan Gum

“Some food additives only benefit foods, but Xanthan gum is a soluble fiber, so there are also potential health benefits. Research says that taking Xanthan gum can reduce constipation and is used as a thickening agent to reduce the risk of aspiration in people with swelling dysfunction.” Caroline Pacereloinstructor and community coordinator at the Faculty of Sports Medicine and Nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh. Research shows Although consistent use of Xanthan Gum can reduce blood glucose in diabetic patients, she adds that further research is needed to support this recommendation.

Xanthan Gum is Prebiotics (Set the environment for excellent intestinal microbiome growth). Several studies suggest that it can help promote satiety and slow glucose absorption, reduce hunger and prevent blood sugar spikes, says the Netherlands.

Research also suggests that Xanthan Gum may be able to lower cholesterol. a Research from 1986 It was found that men who consumed xanthan gum at 15 times their acceptable daily intake for 23 days had a 10% reduction in cholesterol levels. Amelia TIa New York City registered dietitian and diabetes educator who is also a member of CNET’s Medical Review Board, said, “The amount consumed in this study is not recommended or realistic. Also, new research does not confirm these benefits at normal consumption levels.”

Potential negative side effects of Xanthan Gum

“At a typical food level, Xanthan gum is generally safe. However, excessive intake, considered to be 15 grams or more per day, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea due to its fiber content,” says Holland.

Therefore, individuals with sensitivity such as fermented products or existing digestive diseases IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) can experience mild intolerance, he points out.

Additionally, avoiding inhaling Xanthan gum can lead to unwanted side effects. a Research from 1990 Workers processing Xanthan gum powder showed that they had experienced flu-like symptoms with nose and throat irritation.

Is Xanthan Gum safe?

Xanthan gum is Generally It is recognized as safe (GRA) by the FDA. “This means that it’s GRA when used orally or medicated up to 15 grams per day,” Passerrello said. “To put that in perspective, two tablespoons of salad dressing usually have about 0.05-0.25 grams of xanthan gum. To reach the amount of GRAS per day, you’ll need to eat 60-300 cups of salad dressing per day.”

but, Melanie Murphy Richtera nutritionist and nutrition physiology instructor at the University of California, says it’s not safe for many.

“Functional nutrition doesn’t completely label a food as “good” or “bad.” Let’s look at the interaction with biology. If you are healed from digestive concerns, sensitive intestines, or food sensitivity, it may be worth experimenting in a gum-free period to see how your body responds,” she adds.

Who should avoid Xanthan gum?

Xanthan Gum is generally safe for everyone, but some people may need to limit or avoid it. People with gastrointestinal symptoms such as IBS and IBD (such as clones or ulcerative colitis) may need to limit their intake to avoid digestive problems and discomfort, the Netherlands says.

Additionally, people with severe corn, soybeans and wheat. allergy You need to check the food label. The Netherlands adds that xanthan gum is often derived from these ingredients.

a Research from 2012 It also suggests that Xanthan gum, used in thickened infant formulas, can lead to serious digestive problems, including necrotizing enteritis (NEC) in premature babies.

Also, individuals Diabetes The medication should be consulted with your doctor before taking Xanthan gum. This is because Xanthan gum can lower blood sugar levels and may interfere with ongoing medication.

Xanthan gum alternatives in recipes

“I generally don’t recommend that people include or avoid certain ingredients, but rather consider their overall food choices and dietary patterns,” Paccelero says. “If someone is trying to add meltable fiber to their diet, Xanthan gum may be one option, but that’s not the only source of soluble fiber available. If someone has identified Xanthan gum as a clear cause of GI’s distress, we recommend looking for products that Xanthan Gum is not on the ingredient list.

For those who are sensitive to Xanthan Gum or specific dietary needs, using alternatives may be a better option to avoid potential negative effects. Alternatives such as plantain, chia seeds, agar sugars, and gelatin can provide similar thickening properties without the potential side effects of digestive side effects. Some alternatives, such as osilium shells, offer additional health benefits, such as higher fiber content that can improve digestion, according to Holland.

Again, the best alternative choice depends on intended use (for example, baking vs. sauce) and the dietary restrictions of the individual, he adds.

Conclusion

Xanthan Gum is a common thickening and stabilizer found in food, personal care, industry, and even pharmaceuticals. Xanthan Gum has several potential benefits, including improving constipation, lower blood sugar levels, and lowering the risk of aspiration in people with swallowing problems. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. It is best to consult your doctor, especially if you have experienced stomach discomfort after taking Xanthan gum or if you have a condition such as diabetes.