I went to the website of one of the products which makes a Thickening Agent 
for people who have swallowing issues. Here is what they had to say. 

Using the product to thicken Breast milk is included, (Along with SPECIFIC 
instructions, which are different than for other liquids, because of the enzymes 
in Human Milk. I'd say someone at this company has done Home Work 
concerning the composition of Human Milk.) And, as this is not an uncommon 
issue in children with musclular and swallowing issues, and some mothers who 
breastfeed may need to use this product so that their baby can swallow. 
Again, I have NO financial stake in this company, but am worried about babies 
who cannot swallow, and might need a thickener.

However, my first concern would be for this baby and mother to work with 
both an IBCLC, who is trained in swallowing issues, and perhaps an OT who 
knows about ways to help babies with this problem.

Also, my question on whether this baby can swallow properly when AT the 
breast has not yet been answered. If the baby can take her milk directly from 
the breast, then the issue is, for all intents and purposes, Solved! 

Many of us have had problems with our children, either physical or emotional 
which made our previous plans to have someone else feed the baby with an 
artificial device such as a bottle, spoon etc changed when our children's 
NEEDS required a change in plans. I would ONLY recommend this product IF 
the baby simply cannot swallow safely DIRECLY FROM the breast, or is simply 
unable to nurse at the breast at all. Has a trail run of removing the NG tube 
and letting the baby try to nurse at perhaps a "half pumped" breast been 
attempted? THIS would be, of course, a better alternative than either using a 
product or risking bacterial contamination by attempting to "make yogurt" from 
a milk which wasn't meant for this process. 

Here is the information from the Thick It and Thick It 2 site:

What are the ingredients in Thick-It?
Original Thick-It contains modified cornstarch and maltodextrin.

Extra Strength Thick-It 2 contains modified cornstarch.

What is the difference between Thick-It & Thick-It 2?
Thick-It 2 is concentrated, so you use approximately 50% less to achieve the 
same consistencies as with Original Thick-It.  For example, for NECTAR 
consistency in 4 ounces of liquid, use 2 tablespoons of Original Thick-It and 
only 1 tablespoon of Thick-It 2.

What is modified cornstarch?
Modified is the method used to process the cornstarch so that it easily 
dissolves in a cold or hot liquid without having to boil the liquid first.

What is maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is an easily digestible carbohydrate derived from corn. It is used 
in a wide variety of dry foods, dairy products, meats and beverages.

Could the maltodextrin in Thick-It have an effect on blood sugar?
Not usually, but every diabetic is different.  The effect maltodextrin has on 
your blood sugar should be considered metabolically equivalent to 
glucose (dextrose).

Are Thick-It & Thick-It 2 gluten free?
Yes, both Thick-It and Thick-It 2 are gluten free.  The ingredients in 
Thick-It (modified cornstarch and maltodextrin) and Thick-It 2 (modified 
cornstarch) are derived from corn; therefore, they do not contain any rye, 
wheat or barley. 

Are Thick-It & Thick-It 2 Kosher?
Yes, both are Kosher parve.

Is Thick-It safe for infants?
Yes, unless they have an allergy to corn products. (My comment. I know many 
people are concerned about allergies. In a case where a baby cannot 
SWALLOW, IMO, any yet undeveloped allergy should be the least of concern. 
Also, I myself have a pretty nasty Corn Allergy. However, I can consume 
Cornstarch with absolutely NO problem. The Protein (which causes most 
allergy problems) is usually the issue with allergenic foods, and Cornstarch has 
nearly ALL of the Protein removed. 

What sizes is Thick-It available in?
8 ounce and 30 ounce cans and single serving portion control packets.  It is 
also available in 10 lb. bulk by mail order only.  Contact us for the nearest mail 
order location.

Do I need a prescription to obtain Thick-It?
No, Thick-It is an over the counter item; therefore, it is available without 
a prescription.

Does Thick-It work with breast milk?
Yes, Thick-It will work in breast milk, but only for a short amount of time. The 
enzymes in the body break the starch down to release 98% of all thickened 
liquids back into the body as free liquid.  Those same enzymes are also in 
breast milk. It is recommended that nursing mothers only thicken the amount 
of breast milk the infant will consume in a 10-15 
minute period.

Does Thick-It cause constipation?
Thick-It does not bind fluids. Constipation is generally caused by other 
circumstances such as medications, lack of daily dietary fiber, poor eating 
habits and inadequate consumption of liquids. 

Could Thick-It add to an existing constipation problem?
Possibly, but Thick-It will not be the source of the problem.

Does Thick-It cause diarrhea?
Not usually, but everyone is different.  Consult your physician.

Will continued use of Thick-It cause dehydration?
No, Thick-It does not bind fluids. The person receives essentially the same 
hydration as if they had consumed a non-thickened fluid.  In other words, 98% 
of the liquid is directly absorbed for hydration. It is also important for the 
person to receive a significant liquid intake on a daily basis, unless a physician 
has advised the person to limit fluids.

Is Thick-It safe for persons with diabetes?
Yes, but if there is an elevation to blood sugar while using Original Thick-It, we 
recommend persons with diabetes use Thick-It 2.  Thick-It 2 is concentrated; 
therefore, usage is less per 4 ounce serving (approximately 50% less), so the 
person will consume fewer carbohydrates per 4 ounce serving. 

Are Thick-It and Thick-It 2 covered by Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid?
Each Insurance carrier, State Medicare and/or Medicaid office has its own set 
of regulations.  Check with your specific Insurance carrier or State Medicare 
and/or Medicaid office.

Good Luck 

Mary Jozwiak IBCLC, RLC, LLLL

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