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Purpose: This study aimed to compare the sensory and flow properties of domestic and imported thickeners. Method: Five commercial thickeners (imported: Thicken Up Clear, Thicken Up Powder, Nutilis Clear, Nutilis Powder; domestic: PraThick) were tested. Sensory features—graininess, adhesiveness, slipperiness, ease of swallowing, and oral residue—were rated using a 10-point Visual Analog Scale. Thirty-three healthy assessors evaluated Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Level 2 samples prepared with water in a randomized design. Flow properties were analyzed with the IDDSI flow test at 5–180 minutes after preparation. Results: Significant differences were observed among thickeners across all sensory parameters (p0.05). In flow tests, all thickeners except Nutilis Powder reached target Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Level levels within 5–20 minutes and maintained stability; Nutilis Powder exhibited progressive thickening from 20–60 minutes. Conclusion: Both sensory characteristics and time-dependent viscosity should be considered in dysphagia management. The domestic thickener PraThick demonstrated clinically acceptable, stable, and patient-preferred properties, offering a cost-effective alternative to imported products.
Yaşaroğlu et al. (Sun,) studied this question.