Side Effects of Polydextrose

Polydextrose is a synthetic food additive. Acting as as a bulking agent to enhance the taste of reduced-calorie foods, polydextrose is commonly used as a substitute for sugar, starch and fat in many commercial food products. It is also used as a means to increase the fiber content of many products, and is often classified as fiber on nutrition labels. While it is generally well tolerated, there are possible side effects to be aware of before consuming this additive.

Side Effects

Polydextrose is generally well tolerated in those who use it in moderation. However, in large quantities or in particularly sensitive people, polydextrose can cause a variety of side effects, including abdominal cramping, bloating and excessive gas. Those who are newly integrating polydextrose into the diet should begin with small amounts, as new users may experience a laxative effect. In fact, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, if a food product has more than 15 grams per serving, a laxative-effect warning is required on the label 1.

Commercial Uses

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Synthesized from dextrose, sorbitol and citric acid, polydextrose is used in a wide range of commercial food products for a variety of purposes. Used as a humectant, polydextrose helps keep foods moist. As a stabilizer, thickener or bulking agent, it helps keep flavor and texture uniform in packaged foods. Polydextrose is also added to low-fiber foods such as yogurt, puddings, ice creams, cookies and diet drinks to raise the amount of fiber in these products. Polydextrose is slightly sweet and very low in calories, making it highly valued in commercial circles to replace high-calorie food ingredients without compromising taste and texture.

Polydextrose and Weight Loss

Products containing polydextrose have become widely used in various weight-loss plans. Despite being synthesized from corn sugar, polydextrose has only 25 percent of the calories of regular table sugar. Polydextrose is a carbohydrate, but since it passes through the intestine with minimal absorption, it has little effect on blood-sugar levels. Since it travels through the system largely undigested, it adds bulk to low-calorie or low-fat foods, adding a feeling of fullness when such foods are consumed, aiding in portion control.

Polydextrose and Diabetes

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Polydextrose has shown benefits in the control of blood-sugar levels when used in the diets of those with type 2 diabetes 2. According to a study published in the 2009 "Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences," the use of polydextrose significantly reduced blood-glucose levels in subjects with type 2 diabetes, as well as lowering LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein and blood-pressure levels 2.

Polydextrose as a Fiber Supplement

Polydextrose is made up of 90 percent soluble fiber, according to the "Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences." It is not digested in the upper GI tract, and partially ferments in the lower GI tract, making polydextrose beneficial to digestive health in much the same way as natural fibers. It promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine and increases fecal bulk, among other benefits, improving GI function.