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

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.