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It is a food additive and prebiotic, sugar substitute and food component. By the functions performed in the body, it is similar to cellulose. It is made synthetically from dextrose residues.
Polydextrose is used in the food industry to improve the quality of confectionery products, and is also used for medical purposes as a binder for tablet drugs.
It is used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, improve metabolic processes, and lower harmful cholesterol in the blood. It is included in low-calorie and diabetic foods as a substitute for sucrose.
Polydextrose rich foods:
And also: biscuits, biscuits, baked goods, products for diabetics (sweets, cookies, gingerbread; used as a substitute for sucrose), cereals, snacks, diet drinks, puddings, sweet bars, glazed curds.
General characteristics of polydextrose
Polydextrose is also called an innovative dietary fiber. It appeared in the late 60s of the XX century, thanks to a number of scientific studies by the American scientist Dr. X. Rennhardt for Pfizer Inc.
In the 80s of the last century, the substance began to be actively used in the food and pharmaceutical industries in the United States. Today, polydextrose has gained immense popularity all over the world. It is approved for consumption in 20 countries. Marked on food labels as E-1200.
Polydextrose is obtained by synthesis from dextrose or glucose with the addition of sorbitol (10%) and citric acid (1%). Polydextrose is of two types – A and N. The substance is a white to yellowish crystalline powder, odorless, with a sweet taste.
The safety of the substance for the body is confirmed by documents-permits and certificates valid in Western Europe, the USA, Canada, the Russian Federation and other countries of the world.
Polydextrose reduces the calorie content of foods, since its characteristics are very close to sucrose. The energy value of the substance is 1 kcal per 1 gram. This indicator is 5 times less than the energy value of regular sugar and 9 times less than that of fat.
In the course of the experiment, it was found that if you replace 5% of flour with this substance, the taste saturation and quality of the biscuits are significantly increased.
The substance has a positive effect on the condition of food. To a large extent, E-1200 improves the organoleptic qualities of any product.
As a food additive, polydextrose is used as a filler, stabilizer, thickener, texturer, and baking powder. Polydextrose creates volume and mass in the product. In addition, at the level of taste, polydextrose is an excellent substitute for fat and starch, sugar.
In addition, polydextrose is used as a product moisture regulator. The substance has the property of absorbing water, which slows down the oxidation process. Thus, the E-1200 extends the shelf life of the product.
Daily requirement for polydextrose
The daily intake of the substance is 25-30 grams.
The need for polydextrose is increasing:
- with frequent constipation (the substance has a laxative effect);
- with metabolic disorders;
- with elevated blood sugar;
- hypertension;
- elevated blood lipids;
- in case of intoxication of the body (binds harmful substances and removes them from the body).
The need for polydextrose decreases:
- with low immunity;
- individual intolerance to the substance (occurs in very rare cases).
Digestibility of vegetable polydextrose
Polydextrose is practically not absorbed in the intestine and excreted from the body unchanged. Thanks to this, its prebiotic function is realized.
Useful properties of polydextrose and its effect on the body
The substance plays an important role in the functioning of the human body. As a prebiotic, polydextrose contributes to:
- growth and improvement of microflora;
- normalization of metabolism;
- reducing the risk of ulcers;
- prevention of gastrointestinal disorders;
- cardiovascular disease, hypertension;
- maintaining normal blood sugar;
- increases the nutritional value of food for those wishing to lose weight.
Interaction of polydextrose with other elements
Polydextrose dissolves well in water, therefore it is called water-soluble dietary fiber.
Signs of a lack of polydextrose in the body
No signs of lack of polydextrose were found. Since polydextrose is not an indispensable substance for the body.
Signs of excess polydextrose in the body:
Usually polydextrose is well tolerated by the human body. Side effects of non-compliance with the daily norm established by doctors can be a decrease in immunity.
Factors affecting the content of polydextrose in the body:
The main factor is the amount of food consumed that contains polydextrose.
Polydextrose for beauty and health
Polydextrose improves the intestinal microflora, promotes the elimination of toxins from the body. Improves complexion and skin texture.