Modern parents are very attentive to the composition of the food they give their children. And the word "maltodextrin" in the list of baby food ingredients may raise questions and concerns for them. Let's figure out what kind of substance it is, and is it harmful to babies or is beneficial.
Chemical composition
By its structure, maltodextrin is classified as a carbohydrate, like glucose, lactose and other sugars. It is a close relative of molasses. It is starch from corn or rice (less often wheat or potatoes), which is specially processed.
The chemical composition of this carbohydrate is similar to that of molasses or corn syrup. But, if you compare with molasses, then maltodextrin has a lower concentration of sugars, since it is processed differently. In its pure form, such a carbohydrate looks like a white or creamy powder with high hygroscopicity.
The taste is neutral or slightly sweet. Because it is used in combination with artificial sweeteners, many people think it tastes sweet.
Benefits for the child
Seeing maltodextrin in a product purchased for a child, you do not need to be immediately scared and return food to the shelf, because this ingredient has many useful properties.
Useful properties for the baby:
- The assimilation of maltodextrin is easier than that of starch.
- Acts as a source of energy.
- Like dietary fiber, it is resistant to digestion by gastric juice, therefore it passes freely through the stomach and improves gastrointestinal motility. However, with excessive use, maltodextrin negatively affects the intestinal microflora, so you should not abuse it. In baby food, its amount is balanced.
Pros for manufacturers
The reasons why manufacturers of food for children add maltodextrin to their products:
- This substance increases the satiety of the product by replacing starch and sugar in it. It acts as a thickener.
- Easily dissolves without lump formation.
- Used to thicken food products.
- Thanks to its addition, the shelf life of the product is lengthened.
- This substance mixes well with other components.
- Its sweetness is moderate compared to sugar, honey and other sweet substances.
- It is simple and cheap to use in production.
Harm
Its content in baby food is insignificant, which does not harm a healthy child.
- If we compare maltodextrin and regular sugar, then the glycemic index of this substance is much higher - it is from 105 to 136, depending on the method of its production. This means that the addition of such a carbohydrate to the diet is contraindicated in children with diabetes. Some companies treat maltodectrin by heat treatment, acid and enzyme exposure, saying that in their products, it, on the contrary, lowers blood sugar. So far, these claims have not been proven. Therefore, diabetic children should avoid such foods.
- Can be obtained from GMO foods. For the consequences of taking such food, see the video at the end of the article.
- Studies have been conducted to prove that consumption in excess can worsen the intestinal microflora and make it more vulnerable to various infections.
- With little physical activity, the supplement promotes rapid weight gain.
- The substance poses a danger to children with corn allergies, when it comes to corn maltodextrin.
If a baby has celiac disease, then he cannot use maltodextrin from wheat. Very often, this kind is added to baby food produced in Asian countries. Potato maltodextrin is often added to European products, while Canadian and American food usually includes corn maltodextrin.
Possible problems for the child
Children may have such problems:
- Excess weight.
- Allergy.
- Hypovitaminosis.
- Flatulence and bloating.
If the baby has any side symptoms that parents suspect of baby food, you should definitely go to the pediatrician. Determining that maltodextrin is the culprit is difficult.
What products can you find?
In baby food, this carbohydrate is found in mixtures, cereals and purees.
Maltodextrin can be seen in the ingredient list for yoghurts, breads, mayonnaise, chocolate, chips, sports nutrition, confectionery, ice cream, puddings, meats, sausages, sauces, drinks, and more.
It is added to improve consistency, thickening, better solubility, loosening, shaping, moisture absorption, and resistance to discoloration of the product over time. Such a substance is also in demand in pharmaceuticals - it is added to dietary supplements and medicines.
It is much more important that there are no GMOs in baby food. For more information on the consequences of taking such a diet, see the next video.
>
