Do thickeners have side effects? Thickening agents may cause side effects such as constipation, gassiness, or loose stools (soft poop or diarrhea).

Do thickened liquids cause dehydration?

Recent evidence has established the risk for harm with thickened liquids. Specifically, patients assigned to thickened liquids in one study had a higher rate of dehydration (6%-2%), fever (4%-2%), and urinary tract infections (6%-3%) than those assigned to thin liquids.

Is thickened water good for you?

Thickened liquids give you better control of the liquid in your mouth. They help slow down the flow rate of liquids, which lessens the chance of liquid going into your airway or “going down the wrong pipe.”