Two common ingredients in ordinary chewing gum – Arabic gum and lecithin – have been found to help improve the overall health of tilapia, helping these fish survive better even in cold climates. This discovery paves the way for raising tilapia for food outside of the tropical regions where they are commonly farmed. Native to Africa, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has been raised for food since ancient times due to its fast rate of reproduction. It is now a common sight in markets across tropical countries, including the Philippines and Indonesia. However, O. niloticus is sensitive to cold and only thrives in warm water within the range of 26°C to 30°C.

Ingredients in chewing gum help tilapia survive cold climates. (2024, October 29). Daily Guardian, p. 6.