xanthan gum based fluid thickener

DM123@

Active Member
Messages
31
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only

lovinglife

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Messages
5,676
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I’ve used it in very occasionally in cooking for thickening or as a binder or sometimes to stabilise a sauce , not sure about the claims it lowers blood sugar though I’ve never used it regularly enough. It is found in lots of foods such as yogurt.

It’s a bit difficult to work with as it clumps and goes lumpy very easily and doesn’t dissolve well, and a little goes a long way.

If you do decide to try it DONT take it in powder form make sure you dissolve it in a drink, it’s not very pleasant to take that way. My dad who lost his some of his ability to swallow with dementia had to have thickened drinks to prevent choking and the stuff you use to thicken them is very similar, if not the same as this and it’s quite disgusting actually. He was T2 and I never noticed any effect either way on his blood sugars
 
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Robbity

Expert
Messages
6,700
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I also use small amounts of xantham gum occasionally as a thickener, but I've never been aware of any health benefits it may or may not have. But then my main source of glucose management is my LCHF/ketogenic diet, so I don't expect to see any major impact from the tiny quantity I use.

But the way to find out is for you to try it and see if it helps you at all.
 

plantae

Well-Known Member
Messages
828
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I have no evidence but perhaps it might be increasing transit time (therefore slowing absorption) of foods through the intestine a bit like fibre can do. I don't know but it seems plausible
 

Resurgam

Master
Messages
10,085
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
I use xanthan in baked items for its ***** properties - as I eat low carb the concept of avoiding the consequences of eating carby foods is not something I need to be concerned about.