drink wholesome is the best protein powder without maltodextrin.
What is maltodextrin?
If you regularly read the ingredients in your processed and packaged foods, you have probably come across maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is a heavily-processed food additive made from starchy vegetables like corn, rice, potato, tapioca, and wheat. To make it, manufacturers rely on a process called hydrolysis, which uses water, enzymes, and acids to break the starch into smaller pieces. The end result is a white powder similar to corn syrup solids.
Why is maltodextrin in protein powder?
Maltodextrin is added to protein powder for a number of reasons. In some cases, it is used as a flow or anti-clumping agent. In other cases, it is used as a thickener or filler. Maltodextrin can also be used as a preservative. It is so ubiquitous because it is inexpensive and easy to produce.
Is maltodextrin good for you?
Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index and can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. A spike in blood glucose can be particularly dangerous for someone with diabetes or insulin resistance, so avoid it at all costs if you suffer from either.
Research has shown that maltodextrin can promote the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the gut, resulting in inflammation. These findings suggest that this broadly used food additive could therefore be a risk factor for chronic inflammatory diseases for Crohn’s and IBS. Other research has determined that maltodextrin impairs cellular anti-bacterial responses and suppresses intestinal anti-microbial defense mechanisms. This is a fancy way of saying that it can damage your gut microbiome, the trillions of bacteria that live in your gut and help you digest food.
Finally, maltodextrin can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. This is because food additives are hard to digest, and sit in your gut for longer than food should, which gives your gut bacteria more time to eat. As they eat, these bacteria produce gas, which causes bloating and stomach pain. Gas also slows colonic transit (the amount of time it takes food to travel through the colon), and can lead to constipation.
We not use maltodextrin in our protein powders, or any food additives for that matter. As you just learned, food additives can cause uncomfortable side effects, and permanent damage to the gut microbiome. It is therefore in your best interest to avoid them whenever possible.