Consistency stability of water thickened with maltodextrin, xanthan gum and potassium chloride

Abstract Thickened water used for hydration of patients with dysphagia and airway aspiration may change its consistency after preparation. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the consistency stability of water thickened with maltodextrin, xanthan gum, and potassium chloride using the method developed by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI). The IDDSI flow test consists of placing 10 ml of liquid inside a graduated syringe and measuring how much volume remains after a flow duration of 10 s. Pure and thickened water was tested with 1.2 g (nectar), 2.4 g (honey), and 3.6 g (pudding) of food thickener in 100 ml of water. Each consistency was measured at 8 a.m. ten times immediately after preparation, and hourly for 12 hr (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), and every 24 hr for 96 hr, always at 8 a.m. With the thin liquid, nothing was left in the syringe at 10 s (zero), with the consistency nectar, the volume remaining was 5.43(0.64) ml (level 2, mildly thick), with the consistency of honey, 8.14(0.57) ml remained (level 3, moderately thick), and with the consistency pudding 9.48(0.07) ml (level 3, moderately thick). There was a small increase in consistency after 10 hr of the preparation. The consistency changed after 24 hr in preparations with mildly thick consistency (level 2) and after 48 hr with the moderately thick consistency (level 3). In conclusion, there was good stability of the thickened water at least during a 12‐hr period. Practical applications This investigation demonstrated that thickened water with 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 g of thickener with maltodextrin, xanthan gum, and potassium chloride in 100 ml of water maintains its consistency for at least 12 hr. The consistency increases after 24 hr of preparation with 1.2 g of thickener, and 48 hr with 2.4 g of thickener. As thickened water is used for treatment of patients with dysphagia and air way aspiration of liquids, it is important to know how long the preparation maintains its consistency. It is practical to prepare the thickened water only once a day for patients use. Change in consistency with time may cause ingestion problems and does not agree with the prescription given by the group of professionals who is in charge to treat the patient. Deficiency in water ingestion causes dehydration and its consequences.