Table 2 Properties of thickening agents used in the treatment of dysphagia
Thickener | Solubility | Ionic charge |
|---|---|---|
Xanthan gum (polysaccharide ) | Water soluble | Highly negative charge (anionic) |
Guar gum (carbohydrate – galactomannan – manose to galactose ratio 2:1) | Water soluble | Neutral |
Locust bean gum (galactomannan – manose to galactose ratio 4:1) | Water soluble | Neutral |
Starch (polysaccharide) | Water soluble | Neutral |
Carageenan (sulphated linear polysaccharide) | Water soluble | Negative charge (anionic) |