Thickener

Thickener

A thickener is a substance that is added to a liquid or mixture to increase its viscosity without substantially altering its other properties, such as taste. Thickeners are commonly used in the food industry, cosmetics, and in various industrial applications. In the medical field, thickeners are often used to help patients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) by making liquids easier to swallow.

Types of Thickeners

Thickeners can be classified into several categories based on their origin and chemical composition:

Natural Thickeners

• Starch: Derived from plants such as corn, potato, and tapioca, starch is a common thickener in cooking and baking.
• Gelatin: A protein obtained from animal collagen, used in desserts and jellies.
• Agar: A gelatinous substance derived from seaweed, used in Asian cuisine and microbiological media.
• Guar gum: Extracted from guar beans, used in food and industrial applications.
• Xanthan gum: Produced by bacterial fermentation, used in gluten-free baking and salad dressings.

Synthetic Thickeners

• Carbomer: A synthetic polymer used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
• Polyvinyl alcohol: Used in adhesives and coatings.

Mechanism of Action

Thickeners work by increasing the viscosity of a liquid. This can be achieved through several mechanisms:

• Swelling: Some thickeners, like starch, absorb water and swell, increasing the viscosity of the solution.
• Gelation: Thickeners like gelatin form a gel network that traps water, increasing thickness.
• Polymerization: Synthetic thickeners may form long chains that increase the viscosity of a solution.

Applications

Food Industry

Thickeners are widely used in the food industry to improve texture and consistency. Common applications include:

• Soups and sauces: To achieve a desired thickness and mouthfeel.
• Desserts: Such as puddings and custards, where a smooth, thick texture is desired.
• Beverages: To stabilize and thicken drinks, especially in low-calorie or diet products.

Medical Field

In the medical field, thickeners are crucial for patients with dysphagia. They help prevent aspiration by making liquids easier to swallow. Products like thickened water and thickened juice are available for this purpose.

Industrial Applications

Thickeners are used in various industrial applications, including:

• Paints and coatings: To improve the application properties and stability.
• Cosmetics: To enhance the texture and stability of creams and lotions.

Safety and Regulations

Thickeners used in food and pharmaceuticals are subject to regulation by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These agencies ensure that thickeners are safe for consumption and use.

Also see

• Viscosity
• Rheology
• Dysphagia
• Food additive