E1200 - Polydextrose

Polydextrose is a dietary supplement, a polysaccharide that consists of glucose residues. This substance belongs to the supplements for which no maximum permissible daily dose has been established. Polydextrose is officially recognized and used as a dietary fiber in the United States, the European Union, Australia and New Zealand. The European food additive number is E 1200 .

Polydextrose is a water-soluble dietary fiber with a low glycemic index. An indigestible carbohydrate that cannot be easily digested in the small intestine and is broken down by bacteria in the colon, providing calories. It is mainly used as a low-calorie substance to increase the volume of food and improve texture. It is used to increase the fiber content in products and as a substitute for sugar and fat in food.

What is polydextrose and what is it made of?

Polydextrose is a randomly attached polymer of glucose with certain sorbitol end groups and with citric acid or phosphoric acid residues attached to the polymers by mono- or diester bonds. It is obtained by melting and condensing the ingredients. It consists of approximately 90 parts D-glucose, 10 parts sorbitol and 1 part citric acid and / or 0.1 part phosphoric acid. The 1,6-glycosidic bond predominates in polymers, but there are other bonds.

It is produced by polycondensation of the three natural ingredients derived from corn: glucose, sorbitol and citric acid under vacuum at high temperatures. It can be neutralized with any nutrient base and / or decolorized and deionized for further purification. Or be partially hydrogenated with a Raney nickel catalyst to reduce residual glucose. Polydextrose-N is neutralized polydextrose.

Common names of the add-on:

• E-1200;
• Polydextrose;
• Polydextrose.

Properties of E 1200

It is a white to light brown solid. Dissolves in water to give a clear, colorless to straw-colored, low-viscosity solution.

The polydextrose molecule has a highly dismembered structure. It is a less accessible substrate for the intestinal microflora, compared to other prebiotic fibers, it is discarded gradually and evenly. Therefore, tolerance to the substance is higher than to other prebiotics. Even taking 50 grams of polydextrose at once from the body does not cause side effects.

Polydextrose (water-soluble dietary fiber) is obtained from natural products, is characterized by low calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, protects against constipation, hypertension, diabetes, diseases with elevated blood lipids, regulates lipid metabolism in the body, lowers blood cholesterol, removes toxins from the body and improves facial skin.

The glycemic index of the supplement E 1200 is about 7, which makes it suitable for diabetics.

Use of polydextrose

As a food additive, E 1200 is widely used in the production of products with reduced sugar content, because in terms of technological characteristics it is very similar to sucrose and successfully replaces it in many recipes. The energy value of polydextrose is 1 kcal / g, ie 4 times less than in sugar and 9 times less than in fat.

Polydextrose is also used in the preparation of skimmed or low-fat products as an organic fat simulator.

Due to the fact that the supplement is low in calories, has a low glycemic index and is a source of dietary fiber, it is used in the composition of healthy foods. It is used in foods such as pastries, dairy products, confectionery, beverages and more. By adding it to food, the following is achieved:

• sugar reduction or replacement;
• fat reduction or replacement;
• low caloric content;
• low glycemic index;
• supply of dietary fiber;
• enrichment with prebiotics;
• achieving brown crust in pastries - Maillard reaction.

• increases the volume of food without significantly increasing its energy value;
• gives food a shiny appearance and provides a protective coating (acts as a glazing agent);
• helps prevent food from drying out (acts as a moisturizer);
• maintains the even distribution of substances in food (acts as a stabilizer).
• connects water and protects products from freezing;
• acts as a stabilizer, thickener and moisturizer.

• bakery products and baking mixes;
• chewing gum;
• sweets;
• glaze;
• salad dressings;
• frozen dairy desserts and mixes;
• gelatin;
• puddings;
• fillings;
• hard and soft candies;
• film coating on vitamins and minerals (in tablets);
• sweeteners in powder form and tablets;
• low-energy and low-alcohol beers.

As polydextrose provides creaminess, smoothness and fat-like taste and texture, along with low sugar content, it can be used as a substitute for fat and sugar in low-fat dairy products (dairy desserts, yogurt, ice cream and others). E 1200 functions as a moisturizer and water-binding additive to maintain the good texture and taste of bread, muffins, muffins, pastries and biscuits. It is also used as a low-calorie leavening agent in baked goods. Replaces sugar, provides a creamy texture and enriched fiber content in candy and chocolate. It can be used in various drinks to improve the taste and as a source of dietary fiber.

Polydextrose is used in cosmetics as a filler and moisturizer in cosmetic products and those for personal hygiene.

What are the health benefits of the E 1200 supplement?

E 1200 can have the following benefits for human health:

• lowers blood sugar;
• lowers cholesterol levels;
• lowers blood pressure;
• increases the frequency of bowel movements (improved laxity);
• increases the absorption of minerals in the intestinal tract;
• reduced energy intake (due to fiber, which promotes the feeling of satiety);

There may also be prebiotic benefits as well as weight regulation by providing satiety.

Consumption of foods and beverages containing polydextrose has been shown to induce lower glycemic and insulin reactions compared to intake of foods and beverages containing sugar.

What are the possible side effects?

Polydextrose is generally considered safe, but some people may be allergic or sensitive to it. Sensitive people can get a laxative effect from excessive consumption of more than 15 g of the supplement. It is safe to take in small amounts, but can cause diarrhea taken in large doses (90 g per day). Do not use for babies or infants. The supplement does not contain gluten and can be consumed by people with celiac disease. Follow product labels as it is added to foods that contain gluten. Suitable for diabetics.