Xanthan gum helps give ice cream, yogurt, sauces, cakes, and gluten-free pasta their familiar texture. Rats that received xanthan gum for ten weeks developed colon inflammation, changes in their gut microbiota, and reduced intestinal barrier integrity. This serious disease causes intestinal inflammation that can lead to tissue death. In 2012, 22 newborns developed the condition after receiving formula thickened with xanthan gum, and at least three died. Gut bacteria shift toward dysbiosisLong-term xanthan gum consumption did not significantly reduce the overall diversity of the rats’ gut microbiota.