As people become more aware of their health, they pay more attention to food labels and ingredient lists, especially additive. Xanthan gum is an additive found in many foods, ranging from salad dressings to gluten-free baked goods. It is even found in personal care, industry and medicines.
Research shows that xanthan gum can bring some health benefits, such as relieve constipation, lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol and improve intestinal health. However, it can cause stomach upset and other side effects in some people. This raises the question: Should you worry about eating xanthan gum? This article explores what xanthan gum is, its potential benefits and adverse effects and whether you should avoid it.
What is xanthan gum?
Xanthan gum is a common additive that helps thicken and stabilize a variety of products. It is Fermentation Sugar and bacteria Xanthomonas Campestris. It is also soluble fiber because it can be soluble in water and forms gel-like substances in the digestive system.
“This means our bodies cannot digest xanthan gum, so there is no nutritional value for us. But recent work has shown that humans can host bacteria (Ruminococaccaceae) in our gut microbiome, which can break down yellowish colors.” Eric JohnsonSenior Biology Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University. While the human gut can absorb by-products of Ruminococcaceae during digestion, they are also easily used by groups more common in the human gut microbiome. However, Johnson added that further research is necessary to understand the nutritional effects of xanthan gum.
Xanthan gum is the first Discover In 1960, and in 1968, it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food and medicines. It is considered a sustainable alternative to gums such as gum gum, gum arabic, alginate and pectin. Unlike these gums, xanthan gum does not rely on specific climatic conditions for production and does not harm the ecosystem. Its high solubility, viscosity and thermal stability make it a reliable choice for a wide range of uses.
What is yellow chewing gum?
Xanthan gum is used in a variety of foods, personal care, industrial and pharmaceuticals.
food
Golden chewing gum in food help Create a soft texture that makes consumers feel the food taste better. It also enhances texture while maintaining consistency and moisture. Baked goods with xanthan gum usually have fewer calories and less gluten.
Some common foods containing xanthan gum include:
- Salad dressings
- Soup and sausage
- Baked goods such as cookies and cakes
- Processed meat
- Gravy
- Ice cream and milk shakes
- Fruit-based beverages/smoothies (not 100% juice)
Personal Care Products
The presence of xanthan gum helps improve the stability and texture of personal care products and prevents the separation of ingredients. Daily products containing gold glue include:
- toothpaste
- shampoo
- cream
- Lotion
Industrial products
Golden gum in industrial products improves its stability, promotes better mixing and maintains a stable pH. Standard industrial products with gold glue include:
- Polishing agent
- Cleaner
- Water paint
- glue
- Textile and floor printing
drug
“In addition to food, tan chewing gum can also be found in medicines such as liquid antibiotics (i.e. amoxicillin suspension), cough syrup and topical formulas such as hydrocortisone cream, as well as various cosmetics,” said Dr. Thomas HollandPhysician Fellow and Associate Professor at Rush University.
Xanthan gum can also help with drug delivery by slow, controlled release and enhanced stability. It is commonly used in brain and nasal delivery, topical treatments, and oral medications in solid and liquid.
Potential health benefits of xanthan gum
“While some food additives benefit only from food, xanthan gum also has potential health benefits because it is soluble fiber. Research shows that taking xanthan gum can reduce constipation and serve as a thickener for inhalation risk in patients with swallowing dysfunction.” Caroline PasserrelloLecturer and community coordinator in the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh. Research shows Consistent use of xanthan gum in diabetics may lower blood sugar, but she added that more research is needed to support this recommendation.
Xanthan gum may act as gut health by Prebiotics (Build an environment for good gut microbiome growth). The Netherlands said some studies have shown that this can promote satiety and slow glucose absorption, helping to reduce hunger and prevent blood sugar peaks.
Studies have also shown that xanthan gum may be able to lower cholesterol. one 1986 Research It was found that cholesterol levels dropped by 10% in men who ate xanthan gum at 15 times the acceptable daily intake over 23 days. Amelia ti“The amount they consumed in this study is not recommended or realistic. In addition, newer studies have not confirmed these benefits at regular consumption levels,” said a registered dietitian and diabetes educator who is also a member of the CNET Medical Review Board.
Potential Negative Side Effects of Golden Gums
“At typical food levels, xanthan gum is usually safe. However, excessive intake, which will exceed 15 grams per day, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including due to its fiber content, including bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea.”
Therefore, individuals who are sensitive to fermentation products or existing digestive conditions Irritable bowel syndrome He noted that (irritable bowel syndrome) or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) may suffer from mild intolerance.
Additionally, you may also want to avoid inhaling xanthan gum, as it may cause unnecessary side effects. one 1990 Research It is shown that workers who treated xanthan gum experienced flu-like symptoms of nose and throat irritation.
Is xanthan gum safe?
xanthan gum is Generally speaking Recognized by the FDA as Security (GRA). “This means that it’s GRA when taken orally or medication up to 15 grams per day,” Passerrello said. “With that in mind, there are usually about 0.05 to 0.25 grams of xanthan gum in two tablespoons of salad seasoning. To achieve GRAS amounts per day, you need to eat between 60-300 salad seasonings per day.”
However, Melanie Murphy RichterThis is safe for many people, but not beneficial for everyone, says the University of California registered nutritionist and lecturer in nutritional physiology.
“In functional nutrition, we don’t label foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – we look at how they interact with your biology. If you have problems with digestion, a sensitive gut, or you’re recovering from food sensitivity, it may be worth a try and try your body’s response with glue-free time,” she added.
Who should avoid xanthan gum?
While xanthan gum is usually safe for everyone, some people may need to limit or avoid it. The Netherlands says people with gastrointestinal diseases, such as IBS or IBD, such as Crones or ulcerative colitis, may need to limit their intake to avoid digestive problems or discomfort.
Also, those with severe corn, soy or wheat allergy Food labels should be checked. The Netherlands added that xanthan gum is usually derived from these ingredients.
one 2012 research It has also been shown that the gold gums used in infant formulas for thickening may cause serious digestive problems, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.
In addition, individual diabetes Before taking xanthan gum, you must consult a doctor. This is because xanthan gum can lower blood sugar levels, which may interfere with persistent medications.
Golden gum alternatives in recipes
“I usually don’t recommend people include or avoid specific ingredients, but consider their overall food choices and meals,” Passerrello said. “If someone wants to add soluble fiber to their diet, xanthan gum may be an option, but that’s not the only source of soluble fiber available. If someone determines that Xanthan Gum is the absolute cause of gi trouble, I recommend you limit their intake and look for Xanthan Gum products in it, not in the Yexient of the Ingressient List or the Ended the End.”.”
For those with xanthan gum or specific dietary needs, using alternatives may be a better option to avoid potential adverse effects. Alternatives such as Trojan, Chia seeds, agar or gelatin can provide similar thickening properties without the need for potential digestive side effects. The Netherlands says some alternatives, such as juniper beans, offer more health benefits, such as higher levels of fiber that can improve digestion.
He added that the best alternatives depend on the intended use (such as baking and seasoning) and the individual’s dietary restrictions.
Bottom line
Xanthan gum is a common thickening and stabilizer that is found in food, personal care, industry and even medicines. Xanthan gum has some potential benefits, including improving constipation, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of attack in people with swallowing problems. However, it may not be for everyone. It is best to consult your doctor, especially if you feel upset after taking xanthan gum or after a medical condition like diabetes.
