Best Thickeners for All Ages: A Focus on Gelmix and Purathick

Selecting the best thickener can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a parent needing a solution for a baby’s reflux or someone needing a thickener for swallowing problems, the right choice is essential. It’s crucial to choose a product that’s safe, effective, and easy to use. This post explores two popular thickeners: Gelmix Infant Thickener and Purathick Natural Thickener. We’ll discuss their benefits and applications for different age groups.

Gelmix Infant Thickener: The Ideal Choice for Infants

Gelmix Infant Thickener is a favorite among parents for its effectiveness and safety. Specifically designed for breast milk and formula, this thickener helps infants with reflux and other feeding difficulties, like dysphagia.

Benefits for Infants:

  1. Natural Ingredients: Gelmix contains organic carob bean gum, making it a natural and safe option for babies.
  2. Eases Reflux Symptoms: By thickening breast milk and formula, it helps reduce spit-up, a symptom of reflux, making feeding times more comfortable for your baby.
  3. Amylase Stability: Unlike starch-based thickeners like rice cereal that break down in the presence of amylase (an enzyme found in breast milk), Gelmix maintains its thickening properties, ensuring consistency and effectiveness.
  4. Versatile and Tasteless: It works with both breast milk and formula, providing flexibility for parents, and does not add any taste.
  5. Hypoallergenic: Gelmix is gentle on sensitive stomachs, reducing the risk of digestive issues. It is free of all common allergens.

Age and Weight Guidelines: Gelmix is intended for term infants weighing at least 6 pounds, or for premature infants with a corrected age of 2 weeks and weighing at least 6 pounds.

Usage: Mix Gelmix with warmed breast milk or formula according to the instructions. It thickens as it cools, ensuring a smooth consistency that’s easy for babies to consume.

Purathick Natural Thickener: For Toddlers, Children, and Adults

For children and adults needing a thickening agent, Purathick Natural Thickener is an excellent choice. It’s especially useful for individuals with dysphagia or other swallowing difficulties.

Benefits for Children and Adults:

  1. Natural Composition: Purathick contains natural ingredients, including tara gum, a natural seed gum, ensuring it’s safe for long-term use.
  2. Corn and Xanthan Gum-Free: Unlike many other thickeners, Purathick does not contain corn or xanthan gum, making it a preferable choice for those sensitive to these ingredients.
  3. Versatile Application: This thickener can be used in both hot and cold liquids, making it suitable for a wide range of foods and beverages.
  4. Tasteless and Consistent Texture: Purathick is tasteless and creates a smooth, lump-free texture, enhancing the palatability of thickened foods and drinks.
  5. Allergen-Free: It caters to various dietary needs, making it a safe choice for those with food sensitivities.

Age Guidelines: Purathick is suitable for adults and children over 12 months of age.

Usage: Mix Purathick with the desired liquid until fully dissolved. Use a shaker or frother/mixer to achieve a smooth consistency, without altering the taste or nutritional value of the food or drink.

Choosing the Best Thickener

When choosing the best thickener, consider the specific needs of the individual:

  • Infants: Gelmix Infant Thickener is specially designed for term infants weighing at least 6 pounds, or for premature infants with a corrected age of 2 weeks and weighing at least 6 pounds. It provides a safe and effective solution for thickening breast milk and formula without breaking down in the presence of amylase.
  • Older Children and Adults: Purathick Natural Thickener offers versatility and ease of use for a variety of dietary needs, making it ideal for anyone over 12 months of age needing to thicken their foods and drinks.

Conclusion

Gelmix Infant Thickener and Purathick Natural Thickener are great choices for all ages. Gelmix is ideal for infants, easing feeding issues and reflux with its stable consistency in breast milk. Purathick offers versatility for older children and adults, ensuring smooth textures in various foods and drinks. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any thickener to ensure it suits specific needs.

By understanding the benefits and applications of these thickeners, you can make an informed decision that best supports the health and well-being of yourself or your loved ones. Choose the best thickener for your needs and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with making a well-informed choice.