food additives xanthan gum thickener, stabilizer

Xanthan gum is a used as a and modifier . It is produced by of or by the bacterium. After a fermentation period, the polysaccharide is precipitated from a growth medium with , dried, and ground into a fine powder. Later, it is added to a liquid medium to form the gum. In foods, xanthan gum is most often found in salad dressings and sauces. It helps to prevent oil separation by stabilizing the , although it is not an emulsifier. Xanthan gum also helps suspend solid particles, such as spices. Also used in frozen foods and beverages, xanthan gum helps create the pleasant texture in many ice creams, along with and . Toothpaste often contains xanthan gum, where it serves as a binder to keep the product uniform. In the oil industry, xanthan gum is used in large quantities, usually to thicken drilling mud. These fluids serve to carry the solids cut by the drilling bit back to the surface. In cosmetics, xanthan gum is used to prepare water gels, usually in conjunction with bentoniteclays. It is also used in oil-in-water emulsions to help stabilise the oil droplets against . It has some skin hydrating properties.