Exploring the Safety of Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin comes in handy in the kitchen and food manufacturing for a variety of reasons, not to mention the instant boost of energy. Yet, it has to be used with caution as it can affect the health of certain people.

Cooks, chefs and processed food manufacturers alike use a variety of additives during the food preparation process. Different additives serve different purposes and have varying effects on the food. Some of them may even be considered unnecessary or harmful for health.

One of the common additives that often comes under the scanner is maltodextrin. This is a white, starchy powder that is made from corn, rice, potato, tapioca or wheat. It is derived from natural products, but undergoes a chemical process to form a water-soluble powder that is inherently tasteless.

 

Maltodextrin is commonly used to:

• thicken foods or liquids to help bind the ingredients together
• improve texture or flavor
• preserve foods and increase their shelf life
• replace sugar or fat in lowcalorie, processed foods
• provide rapid energy in sports drinks, energy drinks, snacks, etc.

Accordingly, it is usually present in soups, sauces, porridges, gelatin, salad dressings, etc. as a thickening agent. It is also used as an artificial sweetener in yogurt, canned fruits, desserts, soft drinks and other beverages. The preservative featureserves well for chips, baked goods, nutrition bars, frozen meals and other snacks.

The ins and outs of maltodextrin

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved maltodextrin as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) food additive.Being a carbohydrate, it is included in the nutritional value of the food on the labels.

However, the additive receives bad press on account of the fact that it has a high glycemic index (GI) which can cause a sharp spike in the blood sugar levels. People with diabetes or glucose intolerance need to be wary of the same.

Moreover, in case the additive is derived from wheat, it can contain gluten which can interfere with the dietary restrictions of people with celiac disease. People with allergies and intolerance to food additives are also advised to proceed with caution.

Yet, it should be noted that most foods usually contain a very small amount of maltodextrin. This does not have a significant bearing on the overall carbohydrate intake too. Therefore, there will not be any problems as long as the concerned person does not binge on processed foods or consumes too many products containing maltodextrin. And if someone is still concerned about their use/intake of this food additive, they can always opt for other alternatives that have a similar thickening or stabilizing effect on food.

Please note: Maltodextrin can especially benefit those who want to build muscles or gain body weight. Bodybuilders can use it before, after or during a workout.

The quality of maltodextrin being used also matters here. Therefore, chefs and food manufacturers are always advised to opt for a reliable source – like Cape Crystal Brands (https://www.capecrystalbrands.com/). Both the quality and price remain on the reliable side.