What is dangerous maltodextrin in baby food?
Modern parents relate to the composition of food, which they give to their children, very carefully. And the word "maltodextrin" in the list of baby food ingredients may raise questions and concerns. Let's understand what this substance is, and it is harmful to kids or benefits.
Chemical composition
By their structure, maltodextrin is referred to as carbohydrate, like glucose, lactose, and other sugars. It is a close "relative" of molasses. It is a starch from corn or rice (less often from wheat or potatoes), which is specially processed.
The chemical composition of such a carbohydrate is similar to the composition of molasses or corn syrup. But, if we compare it with molasses, then maltodextrin is distinguished by a lower concentration of sugars, since it is processed differently. In its pure form, such a carbohydrate looks like a white or cream powder with high hygroscopicity.
The taste is neutral or slightly sweet. Since it is used in combination with artificial sweeteners, many believe that it tastes sweet.
Child benefits
Having seen the maltodextrin in the composition of the product purchased for a child, you do not need to be scared right away and return the food to the shelf, because this ingredient has many useful properties.
Useful properties for the baby:
- The absorption of maltodextrin is easier than the absorption of starch.
- It is a source of energy.
- Like dietary fiber, it is resistant to splitting of gastric juice, therefore it freely passes through the stomach and improves GI motility. However, with excessive use of maltodextrin adversely affects the intestinal microflora, so they should not be abused. In baby food its amount is balanced.
Pros for manufacturers
The reasons that manufacturers of food for children add maltodextrin to their own products:
- This substance increases the satiety of the product, replacing starch and sugar in it. It plays the role of a thickener.
- It is easily dissolved without the formation of lumps.
- Used to thicken foods.
- Thanks to his addition, the shelf life of the product is lengthened.
- This substance is perfectly mixed with other components.
- Compared with sugar, honey and other sweet substances, its sweetness is moderate.
- Using it in production is simple and cheap.
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 equal to from 105 to 136, which depends on the method of its production. It means that children with diabetes adding such carbohydrate in the diet is contraindicated. Some companies affect maltodextrin by heat treatment, exposure to acids and enzymes, saying that in their products, on the contrary, it lowers blood sugar levels. Until these statements are proven. Therefore, children with diabetes like products should be avoided.
- Can be obtained from GMO products. The consequences of taking such power, see the video at the end of the article.
- Studies have been conducted proving that the use of 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 is a danger to children with allergies to corn, if we are talking about corn maltodextrin.
If baby celiac disease, then it is impossible to use maltodextrin from wheat. Very often, this type is added to baby food produced in Asian countries. In European countries, maltodextrin from potatoes is often added, and Canadian and American food usually includes corn maltodextrin.
Possible problems in a child
Children may have such problems:
- Excess weight.
- Allergy.
- Hypovitaminosis.
- Flatulence and bloating.
If the baby has any adverse symptoms caused by parents suspecting baby food, you should definitely go to the pediatrician. It is rather difficult to determine that maltodextrin is the culprit.
What products can be found?
In baby food, this carbohydrate is contained in mixtures, cereals and mashed potatoes.
Maltodextrin can be seen in the list of ingredients of yoghurt, bread, mayonnaise, chocolate, chips, sports nutrition, confectionery, ice cream, puddings, meat products, sausage, sauces, drinks and other products.
It is added to improve the consistency, thickening, better solubility, loosening, formation of form, absorption of moisture and resist color change of the product over time. This substance is also in demand in the pharmaceutical industry - it is added to dietary supplements and medicines.
It is much more important that there is no GMO in the composition of baby food. See the next video for more details on the effects of taking such power.
