Maltodextrin is a common food additive that is derived from starch sources such as corn, wheat, potato, rice, or cassava. It is a type of sugar that has many uses in the food industry, such as thickening, bulking, or preserving foods. However, some people may wonder if maltodextrin is safe for people with diabetes, as it can affect blood sugar levels and gut health. In this article, we will explore what organic maltodextrin is, how it differs from regular maltodextrin, and whether it is safe for people with diabetes.
What is organic maltodextrin?
Organic maltodextrin is a natural and functional carbohydrate that provides a quick and easy source of energy. It is a white, fine powder with a neutral or slightly sweet taste. It is derived from organic corn starch and produced by enzymatic hydrolysis .
Unlike regular maltodextrin, organic maltodextrin is free of chemicals and GMOs. It is certified by the USDA as organic, meaning that it meets the standards of organic production, processing, and labeling.
Organic maltodextrin is generally used as a filler, thickener, or sweetener in foods and beverages. It can also be used as a carbohydrate supplement for athletes or people who need to increase their blood sugar levels quickly.
How does organic maltodextrin affect blood sugar levels?
Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index (GI) value, which means it can cause a spike in blood sugar levels shortly after consumption. The GI is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood glucose levels compared to a reference food, such as glucose or white bread. Foods with a high GI are digested and absorbed rapidly, while foods with a low GI are digested and absorbed slowly.
The GI of maltodextrin can range from 85 to 105, depending on the source and degree of hydrolysis. This is higher than table sugar, which has a GI of 65, and white bread, which has a GI of 75 .
Organic maltodextrin has the same GI as regular maltodextrin, as the organic certification does not affect the chemical structure or digestibility of the carbohydrate. Therefore, organic maltodextrin can also cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels when consumed.
This can be problematic for people with diabetes, as they have impaired insulin secretion or action, which prevents them from regulating their blood glucose levels effectively. High blood sugar levels can lead to various complications, such as nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, and cardiovascular disease.
Therefore, people with diabetes should limit their intake of maltodextrin, whether it is organic or not, and monitor their blood glucose levels carefully. They should also include other sources of carbohydrates that have a lower GI, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, in their diet. These foods can provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit their health and blood sugar control.
How does organic maltodextrin affect gut health?
Maltodextrin can also affect gut health, as it can alter the composition and function of the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota is the collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and play a vital role in digestion, immunity, metabolism, and mood.
Some studies have suggested that maltodextrin can reduce the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and increase the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. This can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota and increase the risk of intestinal infections, inflammation, and diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer .
Organic maltodextrin may have a similar effect on the gut microbiota as regular maltodextrin, as the organic certification does not affect the interaction of the carbohydrate with the gut microorganisms. Therefore, organic maltodextrin may also impair gut health when consumed in large amounts.
To maintain a healthy gut microbiota, people should consume a variety of foods that contain prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that feed the beneficial bacteria, while probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host. Examples of prebiotic foods are garlic, onion, leek, asparagus, banana, and oats. Examples of probiotic foods are yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha.
Conclusion
Organic maltodextrin is a natural and functional carbohydrate that is derived from organic corn starch and produced by enzymatic hydrolysis. It is a common food additive that is used as a filler, thickener, or sweetener in foods and beverages. It can also be used as a carbohydrate supplement for athletes or people who need to increase their blood sugar levels quickly.
However, organic maltodextrin has a high glycemic index value, which means it can cause a spike in blood sugar levels shortly after consumption. This can be harmful for people with diabetes, as they have impaired insulin secretion or action, which prevents them from regulating their blood glucose levels effectively. High blood sugar levels can lead to various complications, such as nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, and cardiovascular disease.
Organic maltodextrin may also affect gut health, as it can alter the composition and function of the gut microbiota. It can reduce the growth of beneficial bacteria and increase the growth of harmful bacteria, which can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota and increase the risk of intestinal infections, inflammation, and diseases.
Therefore, people with diabetes should limit their intake of maltodextrin, whether it is organic or not, and monitor their blood glucose levels carefully. They should also include other sources of carbohydrates that have a lower glycemic index, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, in their diet. These foods can provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit their health and blood sugar control. They should also consume a variety of foods that contain prebiotics and probiotics, which can support a healthy gut microbiota.