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Maltodexrtin starts out as a rice, corn, potato, or wheat starch that has been treated. This starch is then hydrolyzed by adding acids and enzymes, then filtered and purified until it becomes corn syrup solids or maltodextrin. The only difference between the two is that maltodextrin has less than a 20% sugar content, while the corn syrup solids contain more than 20%. Maltodextrin gives foods that fat-like body and prolongs the shelf life of food products. Cheap to make, maltodextrin may not be a sugar, but its glycemic index of 130 is twice that of regular table sugar.
The refining process for maltodextrin is so well done that now they can eliminate most of the gluten from the starch, even barley and wheat. However, people with Celiac disease or those who have any wheat allergies may want to stay away from maltodextrin unless they know for sure that the product contains no gluten.
This thickening additive has no nutrients to speak of, but it does have 4 calories per gram. Because maltodextrin is not a real sugar, the government and other regulatory bodies have allowed any foods containing maltodextrin to be labeled as a “sugar free” product. This is mainly due to the fact that the compound is not processed or digested in the same way as sugar. Thus, foods with added maltodextrin are deemed safe for diabetics and people who are otherwise sugar sensitive.
What Are The Side Effects Of Maltodextrin ?
Although scientists have no proof, there has been enough research done to know that eating too many foods containing maltodextrin can lead to a variety of side effects, which may include: diarrhea, constipation, excess flatulence and bloating. People who are starch intolerant may experience: wheezing and/or an asthma attack, and itchy skin rashes. Body builders may experience rapid drops in their blood sugar levels if they overdo a workout.
Maltodextrin is made from starch, and starch is a carbohydrate; therefore, eating large quantities of foods containing maltodextrin may make you gain a lot of weight. Remember, although this is a sugar-free product, maltodextrin is not calorie free.
People who have Celiac disease or any other type of allergy to potatoes, corn, wheat or any base starch should stay away from maltodextrin and foods that contain this additive. The risks are not worth it since Maltodextrin may cause further health problems.
High glucose levels may have a profound effect on the whole cardiovascular system.
Dentists have noted that maltodextrin, like sugar, may cause tooth decay or other dental issues.
Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and general weakness are side effects that may strike those who consume too much maltodextrin. For those who use or consume maltodextrin on a daily basis, noting anything irregular happening in the body means that something is wrong and you should stop using this product. Most products will have an adverse effect on someone. Therefore, it is always better to be aware of the side effects so that you can respond immediately and quit using all products that contain maltodextrin.
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