Xantham gum is a popular food additive that is used in gluten free foods. Being a great emulsifier, it bonds to ingreadients that don't exactly get along - such as oil and water. Therefore, it is often added to salad dressings and cosmetics. It also works well as a thickener and to prevent ice crystals from forming in ice cream, helping it to maintain that smooth texture that we all enjoy.
Xantham gum is a polysaccharide that is made by fermenting sugar with a type of bacteria called Xanthomonas Campestris. This bacteria is usually found on green leafy surfaces such as broccoli. Alcohol is then added to the resulting goo, solidifying it. Aftwerwards, it is ground up into a white powder and added to many foods to improve it's texture and shelf life. It has become common in gluten free baking due to it's ability to make the dough more elastic and fluffy.
Though it is often used in gluten free foods, those with a food allergy or celiac disease should be wary of how it is being produced. Manufacturers obtain the sugar from corn and soy, however wheat is also a possible source.
Those with diabetic issues should also be wary of xantham gum as it also can lower your blood sugar. Xantham gum does seem to alter gut bacteria and increase the frequency of bowel movements. It can also be used to treat dry mouth in patients suffering from sjogen's syndrome. However, most people have to consume more than 15 grams a day to experience any of these side effects. The average person consumes less than 1 gram/day.
With all of this information about xantham gum, the question remains: is it safe to consume? The short answer is yes. After an extensive round of research, the product was deemed safe to consume in 1968. It is now considered legal throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Some acceptable substitutes:
(Most are thickeners and may not provide a suitable alternative for GF baking and as always, check your labels. Links are to GF ones I have found.)
Psyllium Fiber
Gelatin
Common products containing it:
Wall paper glue
Paint
Ink
Salad dressing
Cosmetics
Gluten free baking
Toothpaste
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