Xanthan Gum: Health Benefits, Uses & Applications

Have you ever wondered how some foods and snacks remain moist, creamy and have a unique texture that is hard to make at home? The answer to your question is Xanthan gum. This wonder additive makes your ice cream more creamy and oh so yummy! Read on to know how xanthan gum is used.

There are so many additives and ingredients used in foods you buy and consume, and xanthan gum is one of them. It is used in a number of ready-made and packed foods. Way back in the 1960’s, a group of USDA researchers invented xanthan gum (1). In 1968, xanthan gum was approved for use as a food additive in the European countries and the USA. Apart from usage as a condiment and food ingredient, it is also used in FMCG and skincare industry.

How Is Xanthan Gum Made?

Xanthan gum is made by fermenting corn sugar with a specific bacterium named Xanthomonas campestris (2). The bacteria turn it into a complex carbohydrate eventually. The end product is a slimy goo that is heated to dry and then made into a fine powder. Only a small quantity of xanthan gum is required for use in making various foods.

Uses And Benefits Of Xanthan Gum:

Listed below are the major uses and benefits of Xanthan gum:

1. As An Emulsifier:

Xanthan gum is a nice emulsifier (3). When it is used to make a food item, the ingredients blend well. It also helps in adhering the ingredients together for a long duration.

2. As A Thickener:

This ingredient is also used in food as a thickener (4). To prepare various salad dressings, the chefs in restaurants use xanthan gum as a thickening agent. Bakers use it to ensure pastries remain crisp.

3. In Ice Cream:

Xanthan gum makes ice cream soft and creamy by thwarting the formation of ice crystals that can spoil the creamy texture (5).

4. In Making Gluten Free Foods:

Xanthan gum can be used as a substitute for gluten (6) and is helpful for people who prefer gluten-free foods.

5. In Making FMCG And Skincare Products:

Xanthan gum is used in a wide range of skin care products (7) like lotions, creams, and foaming solutions. It gives these products a liquid yet tighter texture. It is also used in toothpastes and medications.

6. Industrial Usage:

Apart from use in foods, xanthan gum also has a large scale industrial usage. For example, it is widely used to make paints and glue. It helps the pigments used in paints and glues stabilize.

Risks Associated With Xanthan Gum:

Both the US FDA and European Food Safety Authority have declared xanthan gum as safe for human consumption. While it is used widely in making various foods, a few cautions must be taken before eating such foods.

1. Xanthan gum is often obtained from sources like soy, wheat or corn. If you are allergic to such produce, it is necessary that you avoid using or eating products made with xanthan gum.
2. Although it is not seen in a lot of people, consumption of Xanthan gum may cause digestive problems and lead to bloating. However, this happens when you end up consuming over 15 grams of xanthan gum per day. In most instances, this is not possible because the ingredient is used in foods in miniscule amounts. Some people may also develop side effects like throat and nose irritation.
3. The FDA has stated that people should avoid feeding infants foods made with xanthan gum for safety reasons (8). An article published in Journal of Pediatrics in 2012 carried mention of the risks for infants post consumption of this ingredient.
4. To be safe, do not intake foods containing xanthan gum when you are breastfeeding or after you conceive without medical advice.
5. Refrain from using the ingredient for treating health issues without seeking medical help.

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