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Xanthan Effects on Weight Reduction, Cravings and
Diabetes in GLOBESITY Bootcamp for the Obese
Authors: Marcus Free MD, Rouzbeh Motiei-Langroudi MD, Waqar Ahmad PhD, Kelly Daly
RDN and Don Juravin (Don Karl Juravin)
Abstract (research summary)
● Xanthan (1.0% w/v) lowers postprandial glycemia (84 ± 5.3 mg/dl) (Tanaka, 2018).
● Xanthan is a natural polysaccharide produced by a fermentation process using
Xanthomonas campestris (Katzbauer, 1998; Hassler, 1990; Jansson, 1975).
● Xanthan causes significant weight loss, and works synergistically with Konjac making
their combined weight loss effect >6.6 lbs (3 kg) per month, and >79 lbs (36 kg) per year
(Challen, 1994; Birketvedt, 2005).
● Xanthan (12 g to 14.5 g daily) lowers fasting glucose by 38% and postprandial serum
glucose by 31% to 37% (Osilesi, 1985; Braaten, 1991).
● Xanthan reduces postprandial glucose by 13% when given alone and by 36% when
combined with Beta glucan (Paquin, 2013).
● Xanthan increases satiety and inhibits the synthesis of hormones related to cravings,
such as ghrelin and neuropeptide Y (Osilesi, 1985; Slavin, 2007; Ranadheera, 2010).
Overview
Xanthan is naturally made from glucose obtained from grains such as maize, soy, wheat,
and from lactose. It’s created when sugar is fermented by a type of bacteria called
Xanthomonas campestris. A polysaccharide commonly used as a food additive.
Xanthan is an indigestible soluble fiber, which absorbs water and turns into a gel-like
substance, slowing down digestion. It controls sugar entry to the bloodstream and
decreasing blood sugar spikes. Xanthan aids in weight loss by increasing satiety, lowering
bad cholesterol, claiming to have cancer-fighting properties, improving regularity, and used
as saliva substitute.
Xanthan Effects On Weight Reduction
Xanthan causes weight loss and works synergistically with Konjac making their
combined weight loss effect >6.6 lbs (3 kg) per month, and >79 lbs (36 kg) per
year (Challen 1994, Birketvedt 2005).
● Xanthan and Konjac have strong synergistic interactions making their combined weight
loss effect much stronger than working by themselves (Challen, 1994). As Konjac
reduces weight by up to 6.6 lbs (3 kg) per month, or up to 79 lbs (36 kg) per year when
used before meals (Birketvedt, 2005), the combination of Xanthan with Konjac would
result in greater weight loss.
● Xanthan increases satiety (Osilesi, 1985; Slavin, 2007). Inducing satiety causes less food
intake and weight loss.
Xanthan Effects On Cravings
Xanthan decreases cravings by lowering postprandial glucose by 38%,
increasing healthy gut flora by 1000%, and inhibiting the synthesis of hormones
directly related to cravings, such as ghrelin and neuropeptide Y.
● Xanthan increases satiety and improves glucose levels resulting in reduced cravings
(Osilesi, 1985; Braaten, 1991).
● Xanthan lowers postprandial glucose by 38% (Osilesi, 1985; Braaten, 1991). Reduced
blood glucose levels result in increased satiety and therefore minimises cravings.
● Xanthan reduces cravings by promoting the growth of bifidobacteria up to 10 times,
resulting in an improved ratio of healthy to unhealthy gut flora (Mitsuoka, 1987; Logan
2005).
● Xanthan increases satiety and inhibits the synthesis of hormones related to cravings,
such as ghrelin and neuropeptide Y (Osilesi, 1985; Slavin, 2007; Ranadheera, 2010).
Xanthan Effects On Diabetes
Xanthan decreases fasting and postprandial serum glucose by 31% to 38% by
increasing the viscosity of the small intestine, limiting glucose absorption and
improving insulin sensitivity.
● Xanthan (12 g to 14.5 g daily) lowers fasting glucose by 38% and postprandial blood
glucose by 31% to 37%. It also reduces postprandial insulin (Osilesi, 1985; Braaten,
1991). Controlled glucose levels are particularly important for diabetics to avoid
hypoglycemia which often results in sugar cravings and weight gain.
● Xanthan lowers postprandial serum glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity. It also
increases the viscosity of small intestine content which results in decreased blood
glucose concentration (Ou, 2001; Braaten, 1991).
● Xanthan enriched juice reduces postprandial glucose by 13% and the effect is increased
(by 36%) when Xanthan is mixed with Beta glucan (Paquin, 2013).
Side Effects And Drug Interactions
Safety
Xanthan is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) according to FDA.
Side Effects
● Flatulence and Bloating: Xanthan may increase intestinal and gut gas production
resulting in increased flatulence and bloating.
Drug Interaction
● Antidiabetic drugs: As both Xanthan and antidiabetic drugs decrease blood glucose
levels, it is important to monitor glucose levels and speak to a physician about decreasing
the antidiabetic drugs if required.
Interactions with Foods
None known
Interactions with Lab Tests
● Blood Glucose: Xanthan might lower blood glucose test results (Osilesi, 1985).
● Cholesterol: Xanthan might lower serum cholesterol test results (Osilesi, 1985).
Caution
● Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited research and therefore best to avoid
during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
● Diabetes: As Xanthan lowers blood glucose levels, it is important to monitor glucose
levels to avoid hypoglycemic episodes.
● Nausea, vomiting, appendicitis, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, intestinal
narrowing or undiagnosed abdominal pain: As Xanthan is a bulk forming laxative, it can
be harmful if used when these conditions exist.
● Surgery: Xanthan gum might affect blood glucose levels and might interfere with blood
glucose control during and after surgical procedures. Patients should discontinue xanthan
gum at least 2 weeks before elective surgical procedures.
References
1. Tanaka, H., Nishikawa, Y., Kure, K., Tsuda, K., & Hokosama, M. (2018). The Addition of Xanthan Gum to
Enteral Nutrition Suppresses Postprandial Glycemia in Humans. Journal of Nutritional Science and
Vitaminology, 64(4), 284–286. doi:10.3177/jnsv.64.284 [Accessed 28.07.2016].
2. Birketvedt, G., Shimshi, M., Thom, E., et al (2005). Experiences with three different fiber supplements in
weight reduction. Medical Science Monitor [online], 11 (1), pp. 15-8. Available from:
http://www.medscimonit.com/download/index/idArt/13883 [Accessed 12.05.2016].
3. Braaten, J., Wood, P., Scott, F., et al. (1991). Oat gum lowers glucose and insulin after an oral glucose
load. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [online], 53 (6), pp. 1425-30. Available from:
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[Accessed 25.04.2016].
5. Hassler, R., Doherty, D. (1990). Genetic Engineering of Polysaccharide Structure: Production of Variants of
Xanthan Gum in Xanthomonas campestris. Biotechnology Progress [online], 6 (3), pp. 182-7. Available
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12. Paquin, J., Bedard, A., Lemieux, S., et al. (2013). Effects of juices enriched with xanthan and β-glucan on
the glycemic response and satiety of healthy men. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism [online],
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Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00603.x/full [Accessed
25.04.2016].
Footnote
This research was sponsored by GLOBESITY FOUNDATION (nonprofit organization) and
managed by Don Juravin. GLOBESITY Bootcamp for the obese is part of GLOBESITY
FOUNDATION which helps obese with 70 to 400 lbs excess fat to adopt a healthy lifestyle
and thereby achieve a healthy weight.
Tags: Xanthan, healthy gut bacteria, prebiotic, weight loss, weight reduction, healthy weight,
diabetes, food craving, cravings, satiety, stress eating, emotional eating, healthy eating
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3970962