Is Thick-It Safe to Consume? Understanding Safety and Risks

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

For over 30 years, Thick-It has been a trusted brand recommended by healthcare professionals for managing dysphagia. However, its safety depends heavily on the consumer's age and health status, with specific warnings now in place concerning use with infants and young children.

Quick Summary

Thick-It is generally safe for adults with swallowing difficulties under medical guidance, but serious warnings exist for infants and children. Age restrictions and potential side effects vary by product and ingredient base, necessitating careful consultation with a physician before use.

Key Points

Age Restrictions: Do not use Thick-It Original for infants under 2, and use under 12 only with a physician's consultation.
Infant Risk: Xanthan gum-based thickeners, like Thick-It Clear Advantage, pose a serious risk of NEC for premature infants.
Medical Supervision: Always use thickeners under the supervision of a healthcare provider, especially for children and infants.
Proper Preparation: Incorrect mixing of powder thickeners can lead to swallowing obstruction; always follow instructions carefully.
Adult Safety: For most adults with dysphagia, Thick-It is a safe and medically recommended way to manage swallowing difficulties.
Potential Side Effects: Watch for side effects like gassiness, constipation, or dehydration and discuss any concerns with a doctor.

What is Thick-It and How is it Used?

Thick-It is a line of commercial food and beverage thickeners used to treat dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. These products modify the consistency of liquids, making them easier and safer to swallow for individuals at risk of aspirating food or drink into their lungs. Aspiration can lead to serious complications like pneumonia. Thick-It is available in various forms, including the original starch-based powder and newer gum-based formulas like Clear Advantage. It is often recommended by doctors, dietitians, and speech-language pathologists.

Safety for Adults with Dysphagia

For most adults with swallowing disorders, Thick-It is a safe and effective tool when used correctly under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The product's main purpose is to reduce the risk of aspiration, which directly contributes to safer hydration and nutrition for patients with conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, or age-related muscle weakening. Its flavorless formula ensures that patients can continue to enjoy their favorite hot or cold beverages and foods. It is important for adult users to:

Follow the mixing instructions precisely to achieve the correct consistency.
Consult their doctor about potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
Be aware that thickened liquids can sometimes lead to reduced fluid intake and dehydration, so monitoring fluid levels is important.

Serious Safety Concerns for Infants and Children

There are significant safety warnings concerning the use of thickeners with infants and young children, particularly due to the risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal condition. The Thick-It brand manufacturer, Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc., has issued important label updates.

Official Age Restrictions and Warnings:

Infants under 2 years old: Thick-It Original and other starch-based thickeners should not be used with infants under the age of 2.
Children under 12 years old: Any Thick-It product should only be used in consultation with a physician for children under the age of 12.
Xanthan Gum-Based Products: Products containing xanthan gum, such as Thick-It Clear Advantage, should not be used with infants born before 37 weeks gestation. Past FDA reports linked a different xanthan gum thickener (SimplyThick) to NEC in premature infants.

Potential Side Effects and Risk Mitigation

While generally well-tolerated by adults, some individuals may experience side effects from consuming thickeners. It is crucial to monitor these and consult with a healthcare provider if they persist.

Potential side effects of thickening agents can include:

Constipation, gassiness, or loose stools.
Increased risk of dehydration due to altered taste and texture.
Altered bioavailability of certain medications.

Preventing Mixing Accidents

Accidental swallowing of the dry thickening powder presents a choking risk and has led to patient safety alerts. To mitigate this risk:

Store the powder out of reach of children and vulnerable individuals.
Never leave a scoop unattended in the canister.
Follow mixing instructions exactly, ensuring the powder is fully dissolved before consumption.

Comparison of Thick-It Formulations


Feature	Thick-It Original (Starch-Based)	Thick-It Clear Advantage (Gum-Based)
Primary Ingredient	Modified Cornstarch, Maltodextrin	Xanthan Gum
Thickening Method	Uses modified cornstarch to thicken liquids upon hydration.	Utilizes xanthan gum for thickening; is clear and does not alter the appearance of liquids.
Key Age Restriction	Do not use for infants under 2; use under 12 only with a physician.	Do not use for infants born before 37 weeks gestation.
Best for	A proven, long-used solution for most adults with dysphagia.	Offers a clear and tasteless alternative for those sensitive to texture or opacity.
Potential Side Effects	May cause some digestive issues like gassiness or constipation.	Xanthan gum may cause digestive issues in some individuals.

Conclusion: Prioritize Medical Consultation

In conclusion, whether Thick-It is safe to consume depends entirely on the individual's specific needs, age, and health history. For adults with dysphagia, it is a widely used and generally safe product when following a healthcare provider's recommendations. However, the use of thickeners, including both starch and gum-based varieties, carries serious risks for infants and young children, especially premature babies, and is therefore strongly contraindicated or requires strict medical supervision. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or speech-language pathologist, before beginning to use Thick-It or any other thickening agent to ensure the safest possible outcome. Always store thickening powder securely to prevent accidental ingestion.

To learn more about the products, visit the official Thick-It website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Thick-It Original is not safe for infants under 2 years old. Its use for children under 12 requires consultation with a physician due to serious health risks.

No, you should not use thickeners containing xanthan gum, such as Thick-It Clear Advantage, for premature infants. It has been linked to severe intestinal problems like Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).

Possible side effects include constipation, gassiness, and loose stools. It may also contribute to dehydration in some individuals due to altered texture.

While not the direct cause, Thick-It can sometimes worsen existing constipation or contribute to digestive issues like gassiness. Maintaining adequate hydration and fiber intake is important.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing precisely. Use the recommended amount of powder for the liquid and stir briskly until completely dissolved to avoid clumps that could cause a choking hazard.

No, you should always consult a physician or speech-language pathologist before using Thick-It or any other thickening agent to ensure it is appropriate for your specific health condition.

Starch-based thickeners, like Thick-It Original, use modified cornstarch, while gum-based versions, like Thick-It Clear Advantage, use xanthan gum. They have different thickening properties and distinct safety warnings, particularly for infants.

Yes, accidental ingestion of dry thickening powder is a choking and asphyxiation risk, as noted by patient safety alerts. Store it securely and out of reach.