There are certain maltodextrin side effects that will be covered in the following article. Read on and get some information related to side effects of maltodextrin and take better care of your health.
Maltodextrin is a common sweetener and food additive added to the food we eat. It is a short chain of glucose molecules. It is manufactured by breaking down of starches present in rice, corn and starchy vegetables. This polysaccharide is a member of the dextrin family that are known for their low molecular weight. The production cost of maltodextrin is very low and thus commonly used in packaged foods. It is generally considered to be a harmless as not many are aware of maltodextrin side effects that not many are aware of. The following paragraphs will contain some information related to these side effects. Before that, let’s take a look at some of the common uses of maltodextrin.
Uses of Maltodextrin
It is easily digestible and available in the market as a white powder. It is used as a sugar substitute for diabetics watching their weight as a sweetener. It is also added to protein drinks for body builders. It increases the calorie content and speeds up the transportation and absorption of nutrients to muscles after a heavy workout. It is also added to soups and sauces, puddings, desserts, cakes, cookies, etc. It is also a common ingredient in infant foods as well as ice creams, cheese spreads, salad dressings, etc. Body builders who take weight gain powder, post exercise supplements, etc. also contain maltodextrin.
Studies have shown, that there are certain side effects of this alternative sweetener. These claims are not proven, however, there are many health implications pointing towards maltodextrin. Let’s go into the details of maltodextrin side effects in the following paragraphs.
Side Effects of Maltodextrin
The FDA status of maltodextrin (made from corn or potato starch) as a food additive, is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). However, some people do experience maltodextrin side effects. The following paragraphs will discuss some of the side effects of maltodextrin.
It has been reported that some people with celiac diseases and allergies to corn, potatoes or wheat have suffered from health problems due to maltodextrin. The other side effects include:
- Unexplained weight gain due to the large number of calorie content in maltodextrin
- Allergy to maltodextrin may produce effects similar to wheat, corn or potato allergy like hives, itching, rashes, asthma or allergic rhinitis
- Bloating
- Flatulence
One may find they start craving for junk food. This is because junk food does not require a lot of enzymes for digestion as the amount vitamins and other nutritional ingredients is negligible. Thus, the digestive system gets relaxed and craves for junk food like chips. Therefore, one should avoid eating foods that contain maltodextrin in excess.
Maltodextrin is a common food additive and binding agent for some pharmaceutical products. There are many people who consume maltodextrin knowingly or unknowingly without any adverse effects. There is no research that proves that there are a few maltodextrin dangers that occur due to ingestion or even topical application. This is a creamy white powder with a sweet to almost flavorless taste. It is also easily digestible by many and added to popular sodas and candies. Thus, side effects of maltodextrin are very common occurrences. When you know you are allergic to wheat, rice, corn or potato, there are high chances that you may develop maltodextrin side effects. If you still are worried about possible side effects or have doubts regarding maltodextrin effect on your health, speak to your health care provider for more details.