Polydextrose

October 2, 2020

Overview

Polydextrose is a type of carbohydrate. It's made in laboratories.

Polydextrose is taken by mouth for constipation, prediabetes, and diabetes. It is also used as a prebiotic.

In foods, polydextrose is used as a sweetener and to improve the texture of foods.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Carbohydrate

Primary Functions:

Constipation, prediabetes, diabetes

Also Known As:

(2S,3R ,4S,5S,6R)-6-[[(3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]oxane-2,3,4,5-tetrol.

How Does It Work?

Polydextrose passes undigested into the colon where it can increase bowel mass and possibly promote growth of certain bacteria that are thought to be beneficial.

Uses

Constipation. Early research shows that taking polydextrose might increase bowel movements in people with constipation related to dialysis. But other research shows that polydextrose doesn't increase bowel movements in people with long-term constipation.
Diabetes. Early research shows that drinking a beverage containing polydextrose twice daily for 12 weeks does not improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
Prediabetes. Early research shows that drinking a beverage containing polydextrose twice daily for 12 weeks does not improve blood sugar control in people with prediabetes.
Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of polydextrose depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for polydextrose. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Polydextrose Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is polydextrose used for?

It's made in laboratories. Polydextrose is taken by mouth for constipation, prediabetes, and diabetes. It is also used as a prebiotic. In foods, polydextrose is used as a sweetener and to improve the texture of foods.

What are the side effects of polydextrose?

Polydextrose can cause intestinal gas (flatulence), bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Polydextrose is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in single doses of more than 50 grams or in daily doses of more than 90 grams. High doses of polydextrose might cause severe diarrhea.

Does polydextrose spike insulin?

Favorable blood glucose response: Compared to glucose which has a glycemic index of 100, polydextrose has a glycemic index of 7¹⁰. ... The reduction in postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses has also been observed in individuals with Type 2 diabetes¹².

Is polydextrose a sugar alcohol?

Sugar Alcohols (Polyols) and Polydextrose Used as Sweeteners in Foods - Food Safety - Health Canada. ... While they are chemically very similar to sugars, they are less sweet than sugars and have fewer calories per gram.

Does polydextrose raise blood sugar?

Early research shows that drinking a beverage containing polydextrose twice daily for 12 weeks does not affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), or impair fasting glucose. Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes).

Is polydextrose a prebiotic?

Polydextrose is a form of soluble fiber and has shown healthful prebiotic benefits when tested in animals. It contains only 1 kcal per gram and, therefore, is able to help reduce calories. However, polydextrose is not universally well tolerated.

Is polydextrose harmful?

Polydextrose is LIKELY SAFE when used as a food additive, provided a serving contains less than 15 grams of polydextrose. Polydextrose is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in doses of less than 50 grams per day. Polydextrose can cause intestinal gas (flatulence), bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

What is the glycemic index of polydextrose?

Favorable blood glucose response: Compared to glucose which has a glycemic index of 100, polydextrose has a glycemic index of 7¹⁰.

Is polydextrose an artificial sweetener?

Polydextrose is a type of carbohydrate. ... Polydextrose is taken by mouth for constipation, prediabetes, and diabetes. It is also used as a prebiotic. In foods, polydextrose is used as a sweetener and to improve the texture of foods.

Is polydextrose safe for diabetics?

Does polydextrose cause diarrhea?

Does polydextrose cause gas?

What is polydextrose fiber?

Polydextrose is a synthetic polymer of glucose. It is a food ingredient classified as soluble fiber by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as Health Canada, as of April 2013. It is frequently used to increase the dietary fiber content of food, to replace sugar, and to reduce calories and fat content.

Is polydextrose safe during pregnancy?

Polyols and polydextrose

However, owing to the presence of polyols in both maternal and fetal samples from normal pregnancy,²³ it is likely that these compounds are safe when consumed in moderation. Polydextrose is another compound that is approved as a food additive.

Is polydextrose gluten free?

Apart from the nutritional advantages, polydextrose has highly versatile functionality. In gluten-free bread or cake recipes, it forms an amorphous, water-binding gel that contributes creaminess, softness and moistness to the final product.