Maltodextrine is a food additive and artificial sweetener used in production of candies and sodas. It is also found in a lot of processed foods and has been known as a sports performance enhancer.

Reported Effects

1) Improves performance.

2) Helps with recovery.

3) Provides ‘filler’ for weight loss and protein shakes.

The benefits of Maltodextrine include:

Enhancer – it is used to help improve performance in sports and in high-level physical activity. It may be used to refill muscle glycogen levels which is lowered after intense activities like exercise.

Recovery – it helps with muscle and physical recovery after working out.

Filler – it is used to thicken weight loss shakes or protein shakes, making the drinker feel that they are “full.” This lessens the possibility of overeating.

Diabetic Assistance – it helps diabetics in terms of regulating metabolism.

Possible Dangers

Generally, maltodextrin does not have any adverse side effects to the body and is quite similar to other sugars. However, excessive intake means adding extra calories. It may cause weight gain if the person is not able to burn all the calories taken in.

Allergic reactions may also occur if the person is sensitive to the base starch from where the compound was taken, such as corn, wheat or potatoes. The person may suffer from hives, rashes or allergic rhinitis.

FDA Approved?

It is considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration, but it does not mean that it is necessarily healthy or advisable.

Studies

Carter, Jeukendrup, and Jones (2004) – this was a research on the effects of carbohydrates and sports drinks on the improvement of physical performance. It was discovered that there was a remarkable increase in the performance time of subjects who used maltodextrin solution as rinse compared to the group that simply used water.

RolloI, Williams, et al (2008) – in this study, subjects who used a carbohydrate solution also had an improved performance time compared to those who used water as a rinse. Also, the subjects felt a feeling of pleasure while rinsing, but could not distinguish between the carbohydrate solution and the water rinse.

Pottier, Bouckaert, et al (2010) – here it was concluded that maltodextrin may not increase blood glucose, but has an effect on lactate concentrations, which are accumulated after intense metabolism and physical exertion. It appears that maltodextrin enables the body to be more tolerant to lactates and helps avoid muscle discomfort and cramps.

Beelen, Berghuis, et al (2009) – in this study, they found that maltodextrin had no special impact to performance when the subjects were asked to eat breakfast prior to the physical activities. It appears that maltodextrin has no impact if the subject is not hungry. Applied to dieting, it may seem like a maltodextrin rinse would reduce the feeling of hunger and would help a person shed off pounds easily.

Supplements using this Ingredient:

1. NOW Carbo Gain - 12 Lbs. - Unflavored

2. NutraBio CarboMax Maltodextrin (complex carbs) - 5 Pounds

3. Kyolic Kyo-Green (No Maltodextrin) 10 oz

4. Dymatize Nutrition Elite Whey Protein Isolate Dietary Supplement Powder 5 lb Rich Chocolate

5. African Mango Supplement - 60 - VegCap

6. NOW Carbo Gain - 8 Lbs. - Unflavored

7. Stevia with Fiber Powder-6 oz.-maltodextrin-Powder

8. Muscle Gauge Nutrition Pure Maltodextrin - 10lbs

9. Caltrate 600 Plus Calcium Supplement Tablets with Vitamin D and Minerals, 120-Count Bottles

10. Dymatize Nutrition Elite Whey Protein Isolate Dietary Supplement Powder 5 lb Gourmet Vanilla

Conclusion

Maltodextrine works primarily as a food additive and a sweetener and is a common ingredient in some of the most basic foods and drinks available in groceries. The fact that it also serves as a filler is an added incentive, and the reason why people who are trying to lose weight are using it to feel full and avoid eating more.

Like cinnamon extract, it has become one of the active ingredients in some of the health and exercise supplements in the market. Whole foods and increased amounts of raw veggies will be more effective for weight loss. The problem with this ingredient is that it’s very processed. However, aside from that note, it may help overall for weight loss.