A study is required on the use of emulsifiers in cat food such as xanthan gum as a study concerning humans published in The Lancet found an association between emulsifiers in heavily processed human food and an increased risk of type II diabetes. Might there be a similar increased risk in domestic cats?
The question is worth asking because we know that there has been a steady increase in the incidence of type II diabetes in domestic cat over the past 10 years or so.
There has also been a gradual increase in domestic at obesity and obesity can cause Type II diabetes but I would like to see a study on domestic cats and the impact of emulsifiers in their process food.
The study looked at the impact of emulsifiers, a group of E number additives added to mass produced items such as biscuits, processed meat and ice cream.
One of these additives is xanthan gum which was found to increase the risk of type II diabetes by 8%. Xanthan gum is used in pet food and there is information on that below.
The study took place in France and they looked at the average daily intake of different emulsifiers. These individuals were followed for seven years.
The Times newspaper reports that “those who consumed lots of emulsifiers were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with type II diabetes even after taking into account other risk factors including obesity and smoking.”
The study was observational and therefore it does not confirm cause and effect i.e. causation. It was conducted by the University of Paris.
The study is important because there is an epidemic of type II diabetes among humans in the West. Diabetes a serious disease causing many health problems.
Sarah Berry from the Department of nutritional sciences at King’s College London said: “This type of large-scale epidemiological study is a vital part of the scientific process. However, these studies cannot prove that emulsifiers cause Type II diabetes. Existing evidence shows a diet rich in the types of foods that contain emulsifiers which typically have been heavily processed is linked to poorer health outcomes. So cutting down on these foods is likely a healthy choice.”
Xanthan gum – info prepared by AI searching the internet
Xanthan gum is indeed used in many cat foods on the market today. This versatile ingredient serves as a thickening agent and stabilizer in wet cat food, helping to create a more appealing texture and consistency for our feline friends. But let’s delve deeper into the role of xanthan gum in cat food:
What is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced through the fermentation of sugar by a type of bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. It is commonly used in the food industry as a thickening agent and stabilizer, improving the texture and shelf life of various products.
Why is Xanthan Gum Used in Cat Food?
In wet cat food, xanthan gum is employed to create a more appealing consistency for cats to enjoy. It helps enhance the texture and mouthfeel of the food, making it more palatable. Xanthan gum is particularly beneficial for cats with sensitive stomachs because it is a gentle thickening agent that is easy to digest.
Trends Related to Xanthan Gum in Cat Food:
Natural and Organic Ingredients: Pet owners are increasingly conscious of the ingredients in their pet’s food. Some cat food manufacturers are opting for natural thickening agents like xanthan gum to meet the growing demand for natural pet food options.
Digestive Health Focus: Xanthan gum is gentle on the digestive system, making it suitable for cats with food sensitivities or digestive issues.
Grain-Free Formulas: Xanthan gum is used in grain-free cat food as a thickening agent, allowing manufacturers to create satisfying textures without grains.
Safety Considerations:
While xanthan gum is generally safe for human consumption, it’s essential to note that cats have different digestive systems. Some sources recommend caution, as xanthan gum may cause gastrointestinal upset in cats, including diarrhea and vomiting
In summary, xanthan gum is a widely used ingredient in cat food, serving as a natural and safe additive that contributes to texture and digestibility.
Primary source for this section: vetexplainspets.com.
