- Maltodextrin is a sugar made from plant starches – corn, rice and wheat.
- It has many properties – it emulsifies, stabilizes, improves taste, extends shelf life and makes products more fluffy.
- Maltodextrin is widely used in the food industry, pharmaceutical industry and in the manufacture of products for athletes.
Facts about Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a popular ingredient used in many food products. Due to its versatile use, it is useful to know some important information about it. Below we explain what Maltodextrin is, how it affects health, its properties and benefits, and how it can be used. Be sure to read on!
Maltodextrin – what is it?
It is worth starting with the fact that Maltodextrin is simply sugar from starch. It is a polysaccharide, which means that it consists of many glucose molecules linked together and is formed by enzymatic hydrolysis of plant starch, mostly corn, but also rice and wheat. This reaction produces a mixture of oligosaccharides, which is then dried to obtain a powder.
Because of its properties, it is often used in the food industry and is known as E1400. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry and in the manufacture of products for athletes.
Maltodextrin – properties
Another important information about Maltodextrin is that it has many properties that are useful in the industry. It comes in the form of a free flowing white powder with a high degree of solubility and has properties:
- emulsifying,
- stabilizing,
- improving taste,
- extending shelf life,
- fluffing.
As you can see, Maltodextrin is a versatile substance that can also be easily absorbed by the body and is therefore very commonly used in food production. But that’s not all – Maltodextrin is also important for athletes, as it is a valuable source of energy.
Maltodextrin – use in the food industry
As mentioned several times, Maltodextrin is widely used in the food industry. It is used to give products a certain texture and taste.
Maltodextrin is mainly used in the production of low-fat foods. It serves as a fat substitute because it has the ability to form gels that resemble a fat emulsion. By replacing part of the fat with this ingredient, the calorie content of the product can be reduced while maintaining its consistency.
In addition, E1400 acts as an emulsifier in ice cream and beverages and improves the viscosity of yogurts and juices. Maltodextrin is also found in the composition of instant products. In powdered soups and sauces, it ensures that they dissolve more easily in water and also serves as a flavor carrier.
In confectionery, Maltodextrin enhances the sweet taste, improves the texture of the dough and prevents it from drying out. It also reduces the formation of sugar efflorescence. Maltodextrin is also used as a thickener or filler to increase the volume of processed foods. It also acts as a preservative and extends the shelf life of packaged foods.
Maltodextrin is also used in the production of modified milk for infants. It serves as a carbohydrate and energy source that is more easily absorbed and digested than starch.
Maltodextrin in sports
Another extremely important application of Maltodextrin is its use in the manufacture of sports nutrition and dietary supplements. Maltodextrin is a readily available source of energy that significantly enhances the body’s performance. Its rapid absorption is another important advantage. Thus, Maltodextrin can provide the body with important carbohydrates immediately. It also provides the body with a large number of calories and dissolves well in water, which is why it is added to protein supplements intended mainly for endurance athletes.
Isotonic drinks, which consist of Maltodextrin and minerals, significantly increase the performance of athletes. In turn, the addition of Maltodextrin to nutrients helps maintain adequate energy levels, delays the feeling of fatigue and accelerates the recovery process after exercise. In addition, it has an indirect effect on the faster building of muscle mass by increasing physical endurance.
Effects of Maltodextrin on the body
Many people wonder if Maltodextrin is harmful. It is worth noting that while it has many calories and a high glycemic index, it also has many benefits and is considered a safe food additive. The key factor is to consume it in reasonable amounts, then it has no harmful effects on health.
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