Rheological, textural, and swallowing characteristics of xanthan gum-modified Riceberry porridge for patients with dysphagia

The incidence and prevalence of dysphagia worldwide are increasing yearly requiring a change in food texture to avoid malnutrition, dehydration, or sever complications. Riceberry porridges fortified with protein hydrolysate (1.5%), bio-calcium (589 mg), and thickened with xanthan gum (XG) of varying concentrations (0%, 0.255, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) showed suitability for use in enriching diets of these patients. Porridges were examined using specified tests from the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) and National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), and coupled with rheological, textural analyses, in vitro swallowing simulator and sensory analysis performed by a trained panel. Porridges with 0%–0.25% and 0.50%–2.0% XG were classified as IDDSI level 3 and 4, respectively, and apparent viscosities of porridges showed samples with XG displayed shear thinning behavior beneficial for patients with dysphagia. Increasing XG concentrations increased the consistency coefficient and decreased the flow behavior index (p < .05) with positive correlation of XG concentration with textural properties including firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and stickiness values. The relationship between instrumental measurements, in vitro and in vivo swallowing behavior showed high correlations with regards to XG concentration (r = .995). The findings indicate Riceberry porridges containing XG have significantly improved textural properties over those without XG for patients with dysphagia.