A Thickening Agent Using Dioscorea japonica Powder Exhibits Suitable Properties for People with Dysphagia

In an aging society, the novel concept of added food functionality in a dysphagia diet is necessary for preventing diseases and maintain nutrition intake. The present study evaluated the utilization of Dioscorea japonica as a thickened liquid for people with dysphagia due to its unique physical properties and beneficial effects on chronic inflammation. The viscosity of the prepared thickened liquid using freeze-dried Dioscorea japonica powder was compared with those of xanthan gum and commercially available thickened liquids in selected conditions resembling to cooking. Dioscorea japonica powder showed high versatility, because the viscosity of its thickened liquid could be easily adjusted by modifying its blending amount and temperature. The thickened liquid of Dioscorea japonica had the most stable viscosity among the thickened liquids when NaCl was added and exhibited excellent resistance to α-amylase, similar to that of the other thickened liquids. The viscosity of the thickened liquid of Dioscorea japonica was relatively stable on changing the pH, but it was slightly unstable when the temperature changed. Overall, the thickened liquid of Dioscorea japonica powder has excellent viscosity stability, comparable to or better than commercially available thickened liquids, and is expected to be used as a new thickened liquid with added food functionality.