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Maltodextrin what it is, use, harmfulness

Homepage Articles Maltodextrin what it is, use, harmfulness

Maltodextrin what it is, use, harmfulness

The advancement of science has made it possible to obtain modified products with better than initial properties and technological parameters. An example of such products is maltodextrin, which is the result of the hydrolysis of starch. What is the use of this compound and is it safe for the body? What products do it contain and why is it added to them?

Table of Contents

1. Maltodextrin is what it is

Maltodextrin is a type of modified starch that is the product of the partial hydrolysis of starch from food of various origins (earth, maize, rice, oats). Such starch has previously been subjected to cleaving and then to the influence of acids used in the food industry and/or enzymes (e.g. Α-amylases) hydrolysed into maltodexthrins. Maltodexin is often referred to as hydrolyzed starch products, in addition to SHP (old hydrolytic products). The basic value describing maltodexic acid is the glucose equivalent of DE (dextrose) which can be classified as a reducing agent.

2. Maltodextrin is used

Maltodextrins are readily used in industry because of their desirable biological and functional properties. On an industrial scale, maltodexthrin is used as a neutral filler, lubricant, emulsion stabilizer and coating material. They have the ability to inhibit the formation of ice crystals at low temperatures, prevent the crystallization of sugars, increase the viscosity and viscosities of milk products, and to enhance the sensitivity of fats, dairy products and margaritas.

3. Maltodextrin is present

The properties of maltodextrin make it a widely used industrial additive. It is found in products such as: dietary concentrates, soups, sauces, seasonings; cakes and pastries, mayonnaise; nutritional enhancing beverages (as a source of easily digestible carbohydrates); carbonated beverage; ?? sweeteners;

4. Maltodextrin in children's helmets

Easy digestion by the digestive system makes maltodextrins suitable for use even by infants and young children. Their immature digestion and inability to produce certain enzymes make it difficult for starch to digest. Maltodexthrines also improve the flavor values of foods intended for children and infants their addition improves water solubility and provides an attractive structure and consistency of the product. Importantly, maltdextrin can also be an alternative energy source in lactose-intolerant formulae for children.

5. Maltodextrin in sports

In recent times, glucose has been increasingly added to dietary supplements for working muscles. It has long been one of the most important elements of an athlete's diet. However, new scientific and individual studies have shown that advances in science and the effective modification of microbes have led to the increasing popularity of compounds containing glucose in other forms including maltodextrin. Recently, these compounds are increasingly being added to foods containing carbohydrates and water-based diets. Nevertheless, new and individual observations of athletes have also shown that their nutritional performance in sports has increased.

6. Maltodextrin and gluten

Maltodextrin is mainly produced from starch derived from gluten-free sources corn, potatoes, rice, tapioca and should therefore be a naturally gluten free product. Unfortunately, it is sometimes produced from wheat, so people with celiac disease should pay attention to the source from which maltodextre was produced although obtaining this information is difficult because the manufacturer is not obliged to disclose the gluten content of the maltedextrin used.

7. Maltodextrin glycemic index

The glycemic index (GI) is the ability of a product to increase blood glucose levels compared to the effects of equivalent amounts of glucose or wheat bread. The higher the GI of the product, the faster the blood sugar level rises after consumption.

8. Maltodextrin is harmful

Regular consumption of high-energy, low-fiber and high-protein processed sugars (including maltodextrin) may contribute to body fat gain, deterioration of insulin sensitivity and dyslipidemia. In Germany, maltodexin is considered harmless to the diet. However, it is also a key ingredient in the use of even single ingredients in food preparations.

9. Maltodextrin is the price

Maltodextrin is not an expensive product, and we pay an average of a dozen dollars a kilogram, but remember that if the suggested serving is about 50 grams, there are 20 servings of maltodextre in a kilogram pack, and the amount per serving is not as small as you might think.

10. Summary

Due to its technological properties, maltodextrin is widely used in the food industry. In addition to improving the organoleptic properties of the products to which it is added, it is also used in sports and in the nutrition of children and hospital patients. It is considered to be a safe compound, but people with impaired glucose tolerance, diabetics and insulin resistance should minimize its consumption due to its high glycemic index.

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Source

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