Xanthan gum is made by fermenting sugar with the bacteria Xanthomonas Campestris, resulting in a brown liquid. When alcohol is added, it hardens and dries to a white powder. When mixed with water, xanthan gum dissolves quickly. Has a viscous and stable consistency, http://ufabet999.app and is therefore used in the production of food and other products in industrial plants.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved xanthan gum as safe for use as a food additive. Food products that use xanthan gum include ice cream, puddings, jams, yogurt, mayonnaise , salad dressings, mustard, ketchup, soups, juices, syrups, chewing gum, candies, frozen foods, gluten- free breads and bakery products , and low-fat foods .
In addition, xanthan gum is used as an ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, toothpastes , lipsticks , lotions, skin creams, medicines, dietary supplements, animal feed, adhesives, food packaging, and construction materials, etc.
Benefits of Xanthan Gum
In terms of health care, some research has found that xanthan gum has the following benefits:
Helps you feel full, feel hungry more slowly and relieve constipation.
Xanthan gum has the properties of soluble fiber . Xanthan gum absorbs water and expands into a gel-like form. When eaten, it helps you feel full longer and stimulates bowel movements. Therefore, it is suitable for those who are controlling their weight.
Helps reduce blood sugar levels
Xanthan gum, which forms a gel, may help slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. In a study of diabetics and non-diabetics, both groups ate plain muffins for six weeks and muffins containing xanthan gum for another six weeks. The diabetic group’s blood sugar levels were lower than the muffin group.
Another study in which a group of healthy people fasted for 12 hours and consumed a nutritional beverage containing xanthan gum compared to a group that did not. The results showed that 20 minutes after consuming the beverage, the blood sugar levels of those who drank the xanthan gum beverage were lower than those who did not.
In addition, xanthan gum may have other uses, such as:
- Used as a substitute in mouthwash to help relieve dry mouth and as a saliva substitute in patients with Sjogren ‘s Syndrome, a genetic disease that causes the body’s moisture-producing glands to malfunction, resulting in dry eyes and mouth.
- Helps prevent tooth decay and tooth mineral loss.
- Helps reduce eye irritation, tearing, and photosensitivity in people with dry eyes.
However, these research. And studies were conducted in a small sample group, short-term, or in animals. So it is difficult to draw clear conclusions. And further study results are need.
The effects of xanthan gum on the body and its safe use
Consuming large amounts of xanthan gum can cause bloating and diarrhea. So it should not be consumed in excessive amounts. The amount of xanthan gum that can be consumed. By the US Food and Drug Administration is:
- Industrial food products can contain 0.05%–0.3% xanthan gum per product, and home cooks should use only a small amount, such as 1/4 teaspoon for steak sauce or ice cream, and 1/8 teaspoon per cup of flour when baking bread, etc.
- Oral medications may contain no more than 15 grams of xanthan gum.
In addition, xanthan gum may cause an allergic reaction in people who have allergies to foods such as wheat, corn, soy, and dairy products used to make the sugar, which is a precursor to xanthan gum. People with these allergies should avoid eating foods containing xanthan gum.
People who should not consume xanthan gum include those with fecal incontinence, those preparing for surgery, those taking diabetes medications, pregnant women, those planning to become pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding. This is because taking xanthan gum may worsen the condition or decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
Xanthan gum is a thickening agent that is commonly use as a food additive and in the manufacturing process of everyday products. If consumed in the right amount, it usually does not cause harm to health. However, people with chronic diseases or taking other medications should always consult a doctor before using xanthan gum. If any abnormalities occur after consuming or using products containing xanthan gum, stop using it and consult a doctor.