Xanthan Gum

recovering · 06-04-2008, 08:45 AM

I've been reading that xanthan gum can cause gastric distress. Well, lately, my tummy has been hurting a bit and I've been experiencing bloating. Now, I have always had stomach issues, and my doc diagnosed me with IBS, so I've learned to just deal. However, I've recently been using about 1/8-1/4 tsp xanthan gum per day (for the last month or so). That small an amount couldn't be affecting anything, could it??? I'm assuming that when ppl share experiences of real discomfort caused by xanthan gum, they are using more - like 1 tbsp or something. I appreciate the help.

FameGirl · 06-04-2008, 08:46 AM

I experienced problems when using 1/4 of a tsp of xanthan gum a day. It gives a lot of people problems. I now use guar gum on occasion and have no problems.

WannaBbig! · 06-04-2008, 08:47 AM

I doubt it mate, xanthan gum is just soluble fibre so it slows down gastric emptying, helping you feel 'fuller'.

A sharp increase in fibre intake can cause some GI distress, was your fibre intake low before you started taking the xanthan gum?

recovering · 06-04-2008, 09:09 AM

Thanks. I already take 2 citrucel tablets a day (doc said that is good for controlling IBS) and eat around 50 g fiber a day, so I don't think it's a sudden jump in the fiber. Seems like 1/4 tsp couldn't hurt anything, but I'll take your advice FameGirl. I actually looked for Guar Gum and couldn't find it, so I bought the xanthan gum instead. I got a big bag which costs about $10. I would hate to throw it all away. But I don't want a tummy ache everyday either! Thanks for the help. Maybe I'll give it another week and see if things get better. It's always hard to pinpoint what is causing stomach problems!

bobbybuilder1 · 06-04-2008, 09:17 AM

I've recently began using Xanthan gum and it is causing me real bad gas and bloating.... But Im still gonna use it.

LC123 · 06-04-2008, 09:18 AM

here is my experience with xanathan gum:
after reading/viewing all the 'exciting' new things oddball was doing with his xanathan gum i decided to throw some in my next order at bodybuilding.com, then i got a little out of hand and was using it is shakes/puddings for about 1-4 tbsp per day! i felt like **** and had no energy and had no appetite and was totally bloated... what i was so bloated that i didnt wanna eat which is why i had no energy! then, a year later (this past month) i thought to myself "maybe if i dont abuse it i can have it in moderation" so... i started using about 1 tbsp a day and sure enough i began to feel the bloat again...

its to bad it doesnt agree with me because i made some neat stuff with it....i was also thinking of marketing a diet supplement with it! haha i mean, you could have 3 tbsp of that all day and be stuffed but drastically under your caloric needs (dont tell ED's about this)

LC123 · 06-04-2008, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbybuilder1

I've recently began using Xanthan gum and it is causing me real bad gas and bloating.... But Im still gonna use it.

why would you keep using it? is it worth it?

recovering · 06-05-2008, 04:07 PM

Wow... I think I've been convinced... I'm going to cut it out. It is REALLY neat to use in things, but totally not worth side-effects! 1/8 tsp is such a TINY amt, I didn't think it could possible be the cause. However, I have a very sensitive stomach. I would rather waste $10 than be in stomach pain!

Knux · 06-05-2008, 04:16 PM

I haven't bloated or had abdominal pains from it once, so I think I'm fine.

Jules Verne · 06-05-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recovering

Wow... I think I've been convinced... I'm going to cut it out. It is REALLY neat to use in things, but totally not worth side-effects! 1/8 tsp is such a TINY amt, I didn't think it could possible be the cause. However, I have a very sensitive stomach. I would rather waste $10 than be in stomach pain!

If that small amount causes problems, definitely watch out for it in packaged foods, condiments etc..

Personally I use a lot and have not noticed an issue.

recovering · 06-05-2008, 05:15 PM

Jules Verne - you make a good point! I just looked at some of the other things I eat and a number of them have xanthan gum in them (ie: egg beaters, cream cheese). Maybe it is just my stomach being sensitive for other reasons

I appreciate all of the help. I'll figure it out!