Maltodextrin, a widely used food additive, has several potential health concerns:

Blood Sugar Impact

Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, even higher than table sugar[3]. This can cause:

• Rapid spikes in blood sugar levels
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
• Potential complications for people with diabetes or insulin resistance[4]

Digestive Issues

Consuming maltodextrin may lead to:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea[1]
• Disruption of beneficial gut bacteria[1]
• Promotion of harmful bacteria growth, including E. coli[4]
• Increased risk of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease[2][5]

Intestinal Inflammation

Research has shown that maltodextrin can:

• Promote intestinal inflammation[2]
• Deplete the protective mucus layer in the intestines[2]
• Contribute to low-grade chronic inflammation, potentially leading to metabolic abnormalities[2]

Nutritional Concerns

Diets high in maltodextrin-containing foods often:

• Provide excess sugar and little fiber[3]
• Increase the risk of weight gain and high cholesterol[3]

Other Potential Issues

• May contribute to the formation of biofilms, which can protect harmful bacteria[1]
• Some maltodextrin is produced from genetically modified corn, raising concerns about potential long-term health effects[1]

While the FDA generally recognizes maltodextrin as safe, these potential risks suggest that limiting its consumption may be beneficial, especially for those with digestive issues, diabetes, or at risk for inflammatory conditions[6][7].

Citations:
[1] https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_maltodextrin_and_is_it_bad_for_you/article.htm
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6409436/
[3] https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-maltodextrin
[4] https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/is-maltodextrin-bad-for-me
[5] https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/read-your-food-labels-watch-out-maltodextrin
[6] https://www.verywellhealth.com/maltodextrin-7481887
[7] https://www.health.com/maltodextrin-8634739