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xanthan gum ester gums are very probably soy based
citric acid is also a trigger for some MC'ers
this article by chris kesser may be of interest
Colitis in infants
The only concerning research I found on xanthan gum relates to the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants. Earlier this year, the New York Times published an article relating the tragic deaths of infants who had developed NEC after consuming a diet of formula or breast milk that had been thickened with a xanthan gum-based product called SimplyThick. This product was widely used in hospitals to thicken feed for infants with swallowing difficulties.
Two papers reviewed the cases of xanthan gum-associated NEC, and while there isn’t enough data to establish causation, the general consensus seems to be that the xanthan gum caused increased bacterial production of SCFA in the newborns’ intestines, and this contributed to the development of NEC. (11, 12) Although SCFA are vital to colon health, the immature digestive systems of newborns appear to be extremely sensitive to them. (13, 14) Since then, general practice guidelines suggest avoiding manufactured thickening products in babies under 12 months old, and rice cereal or baby oatmeal is used instead.
I wanted to address this because while it’s clearly important to avoid giving xanthan gum to infants (especially in large amounts), I’d like to emphasize that none of this changes the fact that xanthan gum appears to be relatively harmless in adult humans. None of the animal or human studies found damage to the intestinal mucosa following xanthan gum consumption, even in large doses, so this danger appears to be unique to newborns. For everyone else, SCFA aren’t something to be afraid of, and they are actually beneficial for the gut and for metabolic health, as I mention in previous articles here and here.
Wheat, corn, soy, and dairy allergies
I mentioned in the opening section that xanthan gum is produced by bacterial fermentation of a sugar-containing medium. Unfortunately, that ‘medium’ is often a potentially allergenic substance such as corn, soy, dairy, or wheat. Many xanthan gum manufacturers aren’t eager to share what their ‘medium’ is, but one common supplier, Bob’s Red Mill, discloses their production practices.
It looks like they originally used corn or soy as a medium, but they’ve since changed their medium to a glucose solution derived from wheat starch. However, they claim that the xanthan gum is still gluten-free, and it continues to be marketed as such.
It can be difficult to find production info online, but just be aware that if you have a severe allergy to corn, soy, wheat, or dairy, it would be prudent to either avoid xanthan gum entirely or check with the manufacturer to see how it’s produced.
Thank you Gabes for sending this article. I think for now I will just drink almond milk latte's with no flavorings. I have switched over to gluten and soy free hair and body wash products. Matter of fact I just got through washing and conditioning my hair and my scalp no longer itches. I think the soy intolerance is more of a issue for me then the gluten. I will miss my chocolate
Thank you Again, I will continue to check the daily forums
Nancy
I kind of suspected that pollen might not be a problem in Alaska, yet.
EGFR is short for estimated glomerular filtration rate, a kidney function rating. It's based on the creatinine level, so yours might be borderline.
Actually, I was referring to AST, ALT, and ALP liver enzymes. General body itching can be caused by liver problems, which would be indicated by those enzyme levels, or by an elevated bilirubin level.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Sorry I didn't see you post from yesterday or I would have answered back sooner.
AST was 33 in the range from 5-50, ALT was 33 in the range from 6-50 and my ALP was 61 in the range from 38-110 for liver enzymes. My EGFR value was 54 with the standard range limit of 60. My Bilirubin was 0.6 in the range from 0.1-8.0. My total protein was 7.6 in the range from 6.3-8.0 too.
Your numbers appear to be typical so your liver seems to be fine. IOW, your itching is probably due to mast cell/histamine issues (like most of us). That's not necessarily good news (histamine problems can be a bear to deal with), but it's a lot better than having liver problems.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thank you soooo much for all your help. At least now I know for sure what I am dealing with. I am so glad I changed my diet four and half months ago to GF, Soy Free & Diary Free. Even though diary might be ok now, I don't miss it and I plan on not eating diary anymore. I guess what I will have to do is try and watch out for what triggers my histamine issues (mass cell), I have an idea now what I need to stay away from to somewhat complish that. Also, taking Allergra when the histamine acts up helps a lot, so I will continue that. I plan on staying a part of this forum for as long as it continues, even though I may not always have questions, (but if I do I will be sure to ask) I will continue to read it daily. I know my intestines are not healed yet, but now I feel I am on the right track to complish that, I hope, (Tex due to all your help and your two books I have read and reread), but I know I will never change my eating habits back to my old way of eating. Because I feel so much better!
