https://www.exercise.com/supplements/polydextrose
Polydextrose

Polydextrose

Aid Overall Health

Polydextrose is a synthesized product that is used as a filler in many different foods. Polydextrose is synthesized from dextrose and falls under the fiber category. It is a FDA approved soluble fiber.

Often times, polydextrose is used specifically to create low fat, low calorie products. As it is a synthesized from dextrose, with is a simple sugar, it can be used to replace sugar in foods. In fact, it is most often used as a sugar substitute.

You won’t find polydextrose on the shelf of your local grocery store. Although you can find polydextrose at specialty stores, overall this is an ingredient added by food manufacturers.

Polydextrose is not something that you would add to the foods that you eat at home. It is also found in nutritional supplements.  

Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.

Summary

Polydextrose and Food Safety As mentioned above, polydextrose has been approved for use by the FDA. However, because it is a food supplement and not a pharmaceutical drug, the FDA doesn’t require strenuous tests to ensure the safety of polydextrose. However, it has been in use since 1981 w... more

Polydextrose and Food Safety

As mentioned above, polydextrose has been approved for use by the FDA. However, because it is a food supplement and not a pharmaceutical drug, the FDA doesn’t require strenuous tests to ensure the safety of polydextrose. However, it has been in use since 1981 with no recalls or other major problems.

The one concern that people have about polydextrose is whether or not it actually contains the same benefits as dietary fiber. Manufacturers of polydextrose claim that you are getting the same fiber benefits from polydextrose that you do from dietary fiber. However, there are no studies to back up this claim.

The only study for polydextrose which was related to fiber has been done on animals.  In this testing, there were positive benefits for the animals, including a reduction in cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, these studies have not yet been extended to humans.

What this means is that you should not think of polydextrose as a fiber replacement. Instead, you should consider getting your fiber from other places, just in case.

Overall, there are no safety concerns for polydextrose. No deaths or major illnesses have been attributed to the use of polydextrose in foods and many manufactures use polydextrose as a fiber source in dietary supplements.

Polydextrose and Side Effects

Whether or not there is scientific evidence supporting the use of polydextrose as a fiber supplement doesn’t seem to matter when it comes to the side effects reported with the use of products containing polydextrose. The side effects are the same as the side effects that occur when someone uses too much fiber.

Side effects include:

  • Gas
  • Stomach cramps
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea

This is not proof that this product works as a fiber substitute. These are the same side effects that many people have when they use sugar substitutes and eat products made with sugar alcohol.

Polydextrose and its Uses in Health Products

Polydextrose is often used as a sugar substitute. You will find this ingredient in many diet products. The reason for this is that polydextrose is considered a low fat low calorie food.

In fact, polydextrose contains about a quarter of the calories that you find in white sugar. However, it is not a sugar substitute that is recommended for type 1 diabetics.

This is because polydextrose is synthesized from sugar and is a carbohydrate. For type 2 diabetics, however, studies show that it has no ill effect on their bodies.

Polydextrose is often found in vitamin supplements as a source of fiber. Because it is a synthesized product, it is not technically considered to be a natural product.

All of the components used to create polydextrose- dextrose, sorbitol and citric acid- are natural. Because of this, many companies that use polydextrose will still claim that their products are all natural.

Polydextrose and People taking Medication

There are many different supplements and foods that contain ingredients that someone who is ill should not use or eat. In the case of polydextrose, there are no medical warnings against this product.

While it is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes, there are no known reactions by those with this type of diabetes.

Of course, if you have any medical conditions or are on medication, you should talk to your doctor before you start taking any supplements of any kind, including polydextrose. In all likelihood, you doctor will not prevent you from using products with this ingredient.

Polydextrose Conclusions

There isn’t enough scientific supporting evidence for the use of polydextrose for health benefits. However, it has been used successfully for over 20 years with no sign of trouble. Polydextrose is being used in more diet products every day as a sugar replacement.

You should always try to get the fiber you need directly from the foods you eat. However, you might find that polydextrose is not only beneficial in replacing sugar in your diet, but it may also provide you with a little extra fiber as well.

Use the free supplement finder to compare fiber supplements and sugar substitutes right now!

Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
Gas
Diarrhea
Bloating
Abdominal Cramps
Artificial Sweetener