Maltodextrin is a very common food additive found in many processed foods; it was introduced into our food supply between 1967 and 1973. It is made by cooking starches such as corn, rice, potato, or wheat; then adding acids or enzymes to further break it down. When processing is complete, a water soluble, neutral tasting white powder is formed. It is closely related to corn syrup solids but has less sugar content with no nutritional value.
Normally, it is found in small amounts in processed foods but the challenges is that it is in A LOT of foods. If you eat a lot of processed foods, you may be consuming more than you think.
Why is it in so many foods? It is very inexpensive to make and has qualities that are important for processed foods. It is used as a thickening agent, increases bulk of foods, binds ingredients together, improves texture or flavor, acts as a preservative, and replaces sugar or fat in low-calorie processed foods. It can be used to encapsulate vitamins, minerals, and flavorants.
So let’s look at a list of some foods that will have maltodextrin in it. Beware the list is rather long: pasta, cooked cereals, rice, meat substitutes, baked goods, canned fruits, instant puddings, salad dressings, frozen meals, sauces, soups, sugary and sweet energy drinks, sports drinks, potato chips, jerky, yogurt, nutrition bars, infant formula, candy, pie fillings, peanut butter, and beer. So as you can see it is in A LOT of foods! It is also added to lotions, hair-care products, and livestock feed. Let’s look at some health concerns related to maltodextrin.
- High Glycemic Index – In one study on mice, it was found that maltodextrin can quickly raise blood sugar levels. It should be limited or avoided if you have diabetes, insulin resistance, or are predisposed to developing diabetes.
- Gut Health – Maltodextrin may compromise the ability of cells to respond to bacteria, which may suppress the intestines defense mechanisms against harmful bacteria. One such specimen was Salmonella. This compromise may be attributed to the fact that maltodextrin has been found to reduce good gut bacteria; therefore, allowing the harmful ones to increase. These findings have been found using studies on mice.
- Allergic Reaction – Some allergic reactions found with maltodextrin are weight gain, gas, flatulence, bloating, rash or skin irritation, asthma, cramping, or difficulty breathing.
These concerns could be quite problematic for some individuals, but there are a couple of health benefits to look at also.
- Athletes and people who want to gain muscle or body weight will often use products containing maltodextrin.
- Low Blood Sugar – Maltodextrin can help those who suffer from low blood sugar levels; it is quickly digested and therefore can raise blood sugar levels quickly.
- Colorectal cancer may be helped with the use of maltodextrin; it works as a tumor suppressant in human colorectal cancer cells.
The Food and Drug Association (FDA) has determined maltodextrin to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), but should we consume maltodextrin? As with all food additives, I would encourage limiting them as much as possible. By eating a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, we can eliminate most of these food additives from our diet and avoiding the corresponding health concerns.
Are you reading labels? Are you limiting food additives you are consuming? Let me know in the comments below!
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,
Heather
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