Is maltodextrin bad for you?

In this short article, we will answer the question “is maltodextrin bad for you?” and will show you contextual information about maltodextrin.

Is maltodextrin bad for you?

No, maltodextrin is not bad for you. It is generally safe to consume this chemical without worrying about your health. However, uncontrolled and excessive consumption can result in weight gain since the body stores extra carbohydrate energy as fat.

Additionally, if you take more supplements than recommended, your kidney function may improve, which could raise your risk of developing renal failure if you have a family history of kidney illness.

What is maltodextrin?

Complex carbohydrates like maltodextrin are created by the enzymatic conversion of corn starch. This substance’s dextrose content enables delayed absorption after consumption, releasing energy gradually.

Thus, athletes who participate in high-resistance activities, like football players or cyclists, for instance, typically utilise maltodextrin to ensure greater performance and postpone the onset of weariness.

But because this drug also stops the body from converting proteins into energy, it can be utilised by those who lift weights at the gym to promote muscular growth.

After exercise, maltodextrin aids in replenishing muscle glycogen. As a result, proteins are kept from being used as fuel, which helps them get absorbed by the muscles and aids in faster muscle repair.

Maltodextrin can therefore be more enjoyable to consume for those who engage in physical activity than other types of carbs like rice or pasta. Since it is sold as a powder or gel, its absorption is quicker and its ingestion more convenient.

Some supermarkets and food supplement shops sell this product.

How is maltodextrin taken?

Maltodextrin usage should always be advised by a nutritionist and varies depending on the individual and the goal. But generally accepted advice suggests:

  • Boost resistance by taking both before and during exercise;
  • Boost muscular mass by taking after exercise. Only take this supplement on training days at a quantity of up to 20 grammes of maltodextrin per 250 ml of water.

In addition to taking this supplement, those who want to attain hypertrophy are advised to use other supplements, such as BCAAs, whey protein, or creatine, which should only be taken under the supervision of a nutritionist.

Maltodextrin is available as a powder or gel. If it is in powder form, it should ideally be diluted in water. Be aware that using the supplement on days when you won’t exercise is not advised.

Who can consume maltodextrin and who cannot?

Maltodextrin is recommended for people who engage in rigorous aerobic exercise or weight training. 

This supplement should typically be avoided by diabetics because it is a fast-absorbing carbohydrate and as a result, causes hyperglycemia by rapidly raising blood sugar levels.

Does maltodextrin make you fat?

The supplement used in excess causes weight gain as well. Because the body stores excess maltodextrin carbs as fat tissue if they are not fully used by the body. 

It is crucial to only ingest maltodextrin under the direction of a nutritionist or qualified medical professional if you want to prevent these issues.

What safety measures must I take before taking maltodextrin?

Only a nutritionist or a doctor with specific training can provide the orientation for using maltodextrin. When purchasing the supplement, it is important to check that the package is intact and that it is stored in a dry, airy area. 

Take note of the expiration date and the manufacturer’s regulatory status.

What maltodextrin advantages have been proven?

  • Maltodextrin is beneficial for aerobic exercisers. because they frequently consume it before or during workouts.

Because maltodextrin is a quickly digested carbohydrate and will give the user energy during exercise, this substance is beneficial for people who play sports like jogging, football, and tennis.

  • Aerobic exercisers who consume the correct quantity of carbs reduce their risk of hypoglycemia and other homeostatic disorders, which are a range of issues that can arise when the body is not receiving enough sugar. 

Furthermore, proteins in this situation might offer the body other advantages besides serving as energy sources.

  • Advantageous for bodybuilders: The recommended practice for bodybuilders is to drink maltodextrin right after a workout. 

Because it refills muscle glycogen— a form of energy that is stored in muscles— rather than using protein as such a source, the supplement aids in the growth of lean muscle mass. 

To facilitate the entry of protein into the muscles, which in turn helps with muscle healing in those who experienced micro-injuries as a result of exercising. These muscles are strengthened and mended in this manner, growing bigger.

Conclusion:

In this short article, we answered the question “is maltodextrin bad for you?” and have shown you contextual information about maltodextrin.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/is-maltodextrin-bad-for-me#:~:text=Is%20maltodextrin%20safe%3F,of%20the%20total%20carbohydrate%20count.

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