Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate that is produced from starch and usually occurs as an off-white hygroscopic spray-dried powder. Maltodextrin is commonly used as a food additive because it is easy to digest and tastes either somewhat sweet or nearly flavorless. For this reason, it is generally used in the production of sodas and candy. Maltodextrin can also be found as an ingredient in many other processed foods. Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate that can be hundreds of sugar molecules in length, which is much larger than the simple carbohydrate arrangement of glucose. Many soft drinks and other flavored beverages contain maltodextrin in their formulas so that they can have a lower amount of sugar on their nutrition facts labels. On the nutrition label, maltodextrin is included under the “Total Carbohydrate” heading, instead of the “sugars” label.

In order to assist the body with converting complex carbohydrates into energy, most naturally occurring complex carbohydrates often contain some vitamins and minerals that help with easier digestion and absorption into the body. However, maltodextrin contains almost no vitamins and minerals to assist with turning carbohydrates into energy.  Therefore, consuming maltodextrin may actually reduce the amount of vitamins and minerals in the body because it uses more vitamins and minerals than it brings into the body. Over time, this can lead to a net decrease in a person’s vitamin and mineral levels.

At our chemical supply company in Orlando, Maltodextrin is just one of the many chemical products that we offer. We also stock many nutritional ingredients as well as personal care raw materials and USP ingredients. We at Bell Chem look forward to the opportunity to provide the highest quality products and service to your company. Give us a call at 407-339-BELL (2355).