Maltodextrin - An overview of risks, benefits and regulations

Q: What is maltodextrin?

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Q: Is maltodextrin banned in Europe?

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Q: Is maltodextrin bad for you?

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Q: Does maltodextrin have side effects?

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Q: Why do US baby formulas use more maltodextrin than European formulas?

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March 29, 2023

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate commonly used as an ingredient in processed foods, supplements, and medications. It is a white powder that is easily digestible and has a slightly sweet taste. Maltodextrin is made by breaking down starch, usually from corn, rice, or potatoes, into shorter chains of glucose molecules. The resulting powder is used as a thickener, filler, or sweetener in various products.

Maltodextrin is also commonly found in baby formula. It is used as a source of carbohydrates, which are essential for providing energy and supporting growth and development in infants. However, the use of maltodextrin in baby formula is regulated, and there are specific types of maltodextrin that are approved for use in EU baby formula.

EU regulations for use of maltodextrin

The EU regulations require that baby formulas contain at least 70% lactose, the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk. Maltodextrin can only be used as a secondary carbohydrate source, as long as it meets certain requirements. Only maltodextrin derived from corn is permitted, and it must have a minimum dextrose equivalent (DE) value of 10 and a maximum DE value of 20. The DE value refers to the degree of hydrolysis of the starch used to produce the maltodextrin, with higher DE values indicating more complete hydrolysis and a higher glucose content.

Differences between EU and US regulations for use of maltodextrin

The use of maltodextrin in baby formula is regulated differently in the EU and the US. While the EU has stricter regulations regarding the use of carbohydrates in baby formula, the US allows for more flexibility in the use of various types of carbohydrates, including maltodextrin.

In the EU, baby formula manufacturers are only allowed to use specific types of carbohydrates, including lactose, glucose, maltose, and maltodextrins derived from corn. The use of other carbohydrate sources, such as corn syrup or sucrose, is not permitted. Additionally, the EU sets specific maximum levels for the amount of carbohydrates that can be present in baby formula.

On the other hand, the US regulations are less restrictive when it comes to the types of carbohydrates that can be used in baby formula. The US does not have a mandate requiring lactose to be the primary carbohydrate, or a DE limit for baby formula.

Additionally the US FDA allows for the use of a wide range of carbohydrate sources in baby formula, including maltodextrin, corn syrup, sucrose, and more. There are no specific maximum levels set for the amount of carbohydrates in baby formula.

The differences in regulations between the EU and the US are largely due to different approaches to regulating food additives. The EU takes a precautionary approach to food additives, meaning that new additives must be proven safe before they can be used in food products. In contrast, the US generally takes a more permissive approach, allowing for the use of food additives until they are proven to be unsafe.

Why is it a commonly found ingredient in baby formula ?

The use of maltodextrin in baby formula can provide several benefits. First, it is a readily available source of carbohydrates, which are essential for providing energy and supporting growth and development in infants. Maltodextrin is also easily digestible, which means that it is less likely to cause digestive issues or discomfort in infants. Additionally, maltodextrin is a relatively inexpensive ingredient, which can help to keep the cost of baby formula more affordable for families.

Health risks associated with maltodextrin

The main concern is the impact on blood sugar levels. Maltodextrin is a high-glycemic index (GI) carbohydrate, which means that it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This can be a concern for infants who have a family history of diabetes or who are at risk of developing diabetes themselves.

It's important to note, however, that the amount of maltodextrin typically found in baby formula is relatively small, and is unlikely to cause any significant health problems.

Additionally, the EU's strict regulations mandating a minimum and maximum DE value for maltodextrin mitigate the health risks by ensuring a safe and nutritionally complete glucose content.

Conclusion

Maltodextrin is a common ingredient in baby formula that serves as a source of carbohydrates. It is regulated differently in the EU and the US, with the EU having stricter regulations regarding the use of carbohydrates in baby formula. Potential health risks associated with maltodextrin are mitigated due to strict regulations.

Related reading: EU vs US organic standards, our best organic baby formula guide, and browse European baby formula.

Rodney Hyde

International Formula Expert – Grow Organic Baby

For over 10 years Rodney has been researching and selecting the world's best formulas, making them available on Groworganicbaby.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is maltodextrin?

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate made by breaking down starch, usually from corn, wheat, potato, or rice. It is a white powder with little taste, used in food to add bulk, improve texture, and carry other ingredients.

In infant formula it is used as a carbohydrate source alongside or in place of lactose. It is classified in the EU as a food ingredient rather than a food additive, which is why it must always appear by name in the ingredient list.

Lactose must make up at least 70% of the total carbohydrate content in EU baby formulas, whereas the FDA does not prescribe a minimum lactose content and for that reason many standard American formulas use alternative carbohydrates to cut costs or alter taste.

Is maltodextrin banned in Europe?

No. Maltodextrin is permitted in the EU and is specifically authorized for use in infant formula under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/127. The confusion usually comes from a real difference in the rules around it.

EU formula law sets a minimum lactose requirement for milk-based infant formula and tightly restricts sucrose and glucose syrup, so European formulas lead with lactose as the main carbohydrate.

Maltodextrin can only be used as a secondary carbohydrate source, as long as it meets certain requirements. Only maltodextrin derived from corn is permitted, and it must have a minimum dextrose equivalent (DE) value of 10 and a maximum DE value of 20. The DE value refers to the degree of hydrolysis of the starch used to produce the maltodextrin, with higher DE values indicating more complete hydrolysis and a higher glucose content.

US rules are more flexible, which is why corn syrup solids and maltodextrin appear far more prominently in many American formulas.

Is maltodextrin bad for you?

For most people in normal amounts, no. Maltodextrin is digestible and safe, and regulators in both the EU and US treat it as an acceptable food ingredient. The reasonable concerns are that it has a high glycemic index, so it raises blood sugar quickly.

For that reason the EU strictly mandates that lactose is the primary carbohydrate in infant formula and must make up 70% of the carbohydrate content.

The EU mandates that any maltodextrin must have a low Dextrose Equivalent (DE) of
between DE of 10 and 20 for standard organic infant formula. This rule guarantees that the ingredient acts as a complex, slow-burning carbohydrate rather than a spike-inducing simple sugar.

The US does not have a mandate requiring lactose to be the primary carbohydrate, or a DE limit for baby formula.

That is the reason many parents prefer the EU formula where lactose is the leading carbohydrate and any maltodextrin has strictly regulated low DE value.

Does maltodextrin have side effects?

It typically has no harmful side effects and is considered safe. Some babies may experience bloating or gas, and because it is rapidly digested it can cause a fast rise in blood sugar, which matters for anyone managing blood glucose, or those with a family history of diabetes.

Why do US baby formulas use more maltodextrin than European formulas?

Unlike the EU the United States FDA does not have a mandate requiring lactose to be the primary carbohydrate. The EU mandates that lactose is at least 70% of the carbohydrate content of infant formula.

Without this 70% rule American formula manufacturers are free to use alternative carbohydrates like maltodextrin, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, or sucrose as their primary sources to cut costs or alter taste.

The FDA ensures that a formula contains enough total carbohydrates to support growth, but manufacturers are free to choose the source.