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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
08:32
Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
Published on: March 1, 2015
Consistently inconsistent: commercially available starch-based dysphagia products.
Clare Payne1, Lisa Methven, Carol Fairfield
1School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AP, UK. clare.payne@reading.ac.uk
Dysphagia
|January 1, 2010
Summary
Starch-based thickeners for dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) vary greatly in consistency, impacting patient safety. This study found significant differences in rheological properties, potentially affecting swallowing effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Rheology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Thickened fluids are crucial for individuals with dysphagia to ensure safe swallowing.
- Starch-based thickeners are commonly used but exhibit inconsistent properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the viscosity and rheological profiles (G*, G″, G') of commercial starch-based dysphagia products.
- To assess consistency variations across different products and shear rates.
Main Methods:
- Commercial starch-based dysphagia products were prepared per manufacturer instructions.
- Viscosity and rheological parameters were measured using a CVOR Rheometer across physiological shear rates.
Main Results:
- While all products met viscosity limits at 50 s⁻¹, significant variations were observed at lower shear rates.
- Rheological parameters (G*, G', G″) showed considerable differences between products and even batches of the same product.
- Starch-based products displayed structural changes and inconsistent behavior across physiological shear rates.
Conclusions:
- Commercial starch-based dysphagia thickeners exhibit substantial variability in rheological properties.
- This inconsistency may lead to patients receiving fluids with unintended characteristics, potentially compromising swallowing safety.
- Further research into standardized, reliable thickening agents is warranted for dysphagia management.
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