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Consistently Inconsistent: Commercially Available Starch-Based Dysphagia Products

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Abstract

Individuals with dysphagia may be prescribed thickened fluids to promote a safer and more successful swallow. Starch-based thickening agents are often employed; however, these exhibit great variation in consistency. The aim of this study was to compare viscosity and the rheological profile parameters complex (G*), viscous (G″), and elastic modulus (G′) over a range of physiological shear rates. UK commercially available dysphagia products at “custard” consistency were examined. Commercially available starch-based dysphagia products were prepared according to manufacturers’ instructions; the viscosity and rheological parameters were tested on a CVOR Rheometer. At a measured shear rate of 50 s−1, all products fell within the viscosity limits defined according to the National Dysphagia Diet Task Force guidelines. However, at lower shear rates, large variations in viscosity were observed. Rheological parameters G*, G′, and G″ also demonstrated considerable differences in both overall strength and rheological behavior between different batches of the same product and different product types. The large range in consistency and changes in the overall structure of the starch-based products over a range of physiological shear rates show that patients could be receiving fluids with very different characteristics from that advised. This could have detrimental effects on their ability to swallow.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge funding from ERSC under the New Dynamics of Ageing study MAPP-MAL (Multidisciplinary Approach to a Prototype for Prevention of Malnutrition in older people: products, places, people and procedures).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AP, UK

    Clare Payne, Lisa Methven & Alan Bell

  2. Department of Clinical Linguistics, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AP, UK

    Carol Fairfield

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  1. Clare Payne
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  2. Lisa Methven
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  3. Carol Fairfield
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  4. Alan Bell
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Correspondence to Clare Payne.

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Payne, C., Methven, L., Fairfield, C. et al. Consistently Inconsistent: Commercially Available Starch-Based Dysphagia Products. Dysphagia 26, 27–33 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-009-9263-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-009-9263-7

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