Hello, I would like to ask what your opinion is on Maltodextrin? My son goes to the gym to work out to gain muscle mass, and his friends are taking a dietary supplement that contains Maltodextrin. Thank you.

Maltodextrin is a commonly used source of rapid carbohydrates in sports nutrition supplements. It is made from starch (corn, rice, potato, wheat) and is technically a highly industrially processed material with an extremely high glycemic index value (reported to be over 100). This impact on blood glucose levels is beneficial for athletes as part of the solution for quick energy replenishment and post-exertion recovery, as well as the restoration of glycogen stores.

However, the fact is that its consumption increases the burden on the pancreas and insulin production, which, among other things, leads to an increase in fat deposits. Studies also point to the ability of maltodextrins to suppress the activity of probiotics in the intestinal tract, leading to pro-inflammatory reactions. Therefore, individuals with digestive disorders should avoid maltodextrins; they are particularly undesirable in cases of chronic inflammatory bowel conditions (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).

Apart from its significance in sports nutrition, it must be said that there are no health benefits resulting from the consumption of this oligo/polysaccharide.

Themes:  Maltodextrin