Maltodextrin is a plant extract that contains glucose, malt sugar and oligosaccharides. It is an enzymatically cleaved starch, its cleavage begins already in the esophagus at a low speed, which ensures the gradual intake of glucose into the body and does not lead to gastric complications (compared with taking the same amount of glucose).
Thus, maltodextrin (dextrinmaltose, or starch syrup), being a product of the partial breakdown of starch into dextrins (smaller elements) and, in turn, splitting into glucose, serves as a good source of energy for the body. Maltodextrin is a powder of white or cream color with a pleasant sweetish taste, it is soluble in water. Due to its properties, it is widely used in the food industry and pharmacology, in the preparation of nutritional mixtures for infants.
The high energy value of maltodextrin and the ability to be easily absorbed by the body allow it to be widely used in sports nutrition. Based on its main functions (to restore strength after physical activity, normalize the intestinal microflora, prevent constipation and dysbiosis, help the body produce its own โrightโ insulin), sports supplement manufacturers use maltodextrin as an inert excipient.
However, there are certain speculations about the alleged harm of maltodextrin. Consider whether maltodextrin is really harmful, and which one. One of the main accusations is the allegation of the destructive effect of maltodextrin on the cardiovascular system. To accept or refute it, you need to imagine exactly what functions maltodextrin performs. From the medical point of view, his harm to the heart has not been proved by anything, but there is a danger of a different kind.
The ability of maltodextrin to replace a range of nutritional supplements (disintegrants, emulsifiers, thickeners) stimulates sports nutrition manufacturers to use it in large quantities. However, some manufacturers claim its benefits, but in fact, maltodextrin as a carbohydrate is equivalent to a conventional mixture of glucose and starch.
So how can maltodextrin be dangerous? Its harm is manifested with frequent and excessive use as a substitute for sugar. The abuse of dietary supplements with a high content of maltodextrin leads to the same consequences as the abuse of simple carbohydrates - obesity, an increased risk of developing diabetes. Athletes with excessive consumption of supplements can become covered with a thick layer of "cotton" muscles (in fact, this is fat deposits).
We do not urge to abandon such a reliable and affordable means of replenishing the bodyโs energy reserves, we should only observe moderation and control the amount of consumed additives containing maltodextrin. The damage done by the latter will thus be minimized.
In addition to nutritional supplements, athletes (and not just athletes) often consume energy drinks. They are becoming increasingly popular among young people, almost no party can do without them. Recently, the question has been raised more and more often - are energy harmful and, if so, what exactly?
Energy drinks (energy) - non - alcoholic cocktails containing a large amount of synthetic caffeine and other stimulants, carbohydrates (glucose and sucrose), taurine, carbon dioxide. Such a composition stimulates the nervous system, gives a feeling of a surge of strength, activity, restores muscle tone. Along with vitamins and stimulants, energy shakes contain many dyes, preservatives, flavorings and other chemical additives that are aggressive towards the body.
Energy producers place emphasis on an invigorating and stimulating effect and ignore harm that many teenagers (main consumers) are not even aware of. Meanwhile, one can of energy contains up to 320 mg of caffeine (with a daily norm of no more than 150), from half to a full daily norm of vitamins (therefore consuming more than one can per day is medically dangerous) and a huge amount of โchemistryโ harmful to health .
Having a primary stimulating and stimulating effect, energy, like coffee in large quantities, can cause depletion of the nervous system, tachycardia, sleep disturbance, digestive tract disorders (nausea, vomiting), and impaired potency. They are contraindicated in pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with diseases of the nervous system.
Especially dangerous is the combination of energy drinks with alcohol, since alcohol causes an inhibitory effect, and energy - an exciting one. Under the influence of power engineers, a person cannot adequately assess his behavior and the amount of alcohol drunk, which sometimes leads to unpredictable consequences.
In a number of civilized countries, energy is banned from production and sale or equated with medical preparations (in Norway, France, Denmark) and is sold only in pharmacies.