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Overview: Xanthan gum is a type of food thickener that is made from fermented sugars. It is well tolerated and may be helpful for people who have swallowing problems. Xanthan gum may also be used for other reasons, but its benefits for other uses are not well defined. Before taking xanthan gum, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is xanthan gum used for?

Xanthan gum is commonly used to thicken foods and drinks. Although it is often added to improve food texture, it may also be used for swallowing problems (dysphagia). Xanthan gum is also commonly used by drugmakers to improve the texture and consistency of some medicines.

Xanthan gum is sometimes used to improve gut and digestive health, but its benefits for these uses are not well defined.

Note: Xanthan gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Learn more about GRAS status here.

How does xanthan gum work (mechanism of action)?

Xanthan gum is a substance that is made from fermented sugars. When xanthan gum is mixed with water, it forms a thick gel. As a result, it is often used to thicken foods and give them a more gel-like texture. It is also used as a drink thickener for people who have trouble swallowing (dysphagia).

Due to its gel-like texture, there is interest in using xanthan gum as a soluble fiber. Soluble fibers are often used to help keep bowel movements regular and improve overall gut health. But xanthan gum does not meet the FDA’s definition of a soluble fiber, and it is not clear whether it can improve gut or digestive health.

How should I store xanthan gum?

You should store xanthan gum as directed on the product label. Most food additives should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of xanthan gum that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of xanthan gum?

While less common, the most serious side effects of xanthan gum are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Xanthan gum may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using xanthan gum and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use xanthan gum?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use xanthan gum.

  • Xanthan gum
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific xanthan gum products they stock.

What should I know about xanthan gum before using it?

Xanthan gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is gluten-free and can be added to foods, drinks, and other products, but it cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep xanthan gum out of the reach of children.

If you are using xanthan gum powder, use an accurate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label.

If you are using xanthan gum to help with swallowing problems (dysphagia), it may be best to purchase a gel product that is labeled for this use. These products usually provide instructions for thickening your liquids to a specific level, from slightly thick (level 1) to extremely thick (level 4). Speak with your health care provider if you are not sure which level is best for you.

What should I tell my health care provider before using xanthan gum?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if xanthan gum is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Xanthan gum may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking xanthan gum, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how xanthan gum could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if xanthan gum passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does xanthan gum interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between xanthan gum and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect xanthan gum.

Does xanthan gum interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Small amounts of xanthan gum, which are found in many foods and drinks, are not expected to interact with any medicines. However, adding large amounts of xanthan gum to foods or drinks may affect the absorption of some medicines.

The interactions between xanthan gum and medicines are not fully understood. As with most food additives, the research on drug interactions with xanthan gum is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking xanthan gum with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much xanthan gum?

If you or someone else has used too much xanthan gum, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Xanthan gum is an ingredient found in many foods and drinks. Read all product labels closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use xanthan gum safely. If you are adding xanthan gum to your own foods and drinks, do not use more than the amount recommended on the product label.