What is polydextrose?

Polydextrose is a biodegradable polymer that appears as white or off-white solid particles or powder, has no special smell, and has good thermal stability. It has uses in the food sector as a thickener, sweetener, stabilizer, and more. It is also utilized in some capacities by the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

The enzymatic approach and the chemical synthesis method are the two basic ways to synthesize polydextrose. The enzymatic method uses enzyme catalysis and the enzyme action of levulose to dextrose, uses D-glucose as raw material, and undergoes a series of enzyme reactions to synthesize polydextrose. This method has advantages in product purity and control of molecular structure, but the yield is low and the cost is high.

Chemical synthesis method: The chemical synthesis method of polydextrose is to connect D-glucose molecules through chemical reactions to form a polymer. There are many side reactions during the synthesis process, and the purity is relatively low.

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Polydextrose has a wide range of uses

1. Control the metabolism of lipids

In order to effectively limit the absorption of fat in the digestive tract, encourage the excretion of lipid compounds, increase satiety, and reduce food intake—all of which contribute to the regulation of blood lipids, the reduction of fat accumulation, and the prevention of obesity—polydextrose can form a layer of membrane in the small intestine and wrap part of the fat in food.

2. Reduce cholesterol

Organic molecules like bile acid and cholesterol mutator can be absorbed by polydextrose, which can also be used to prevent and treat coronary artery sclerosis, cholelithiasis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, decrease the synthesis and absorption of bile acid and salts, and lower the amount of cholesterol in human plasma and liver.

3. Decrease the absorption of sugar

In addition to preventing food from coming into complete contact with the digestive juices, polydextrose can also limit the production of glucagon, slow down the absorption of glucose, lowering postprandial blood sugar levels, maximize the function of insulin, and prevent diabetes.

4. Avoid and handle constipation

In addition to increasing the amount of feces, stimulating intestinal peristalsis, speeding up the frequency of defecations, and helping to keep the intestines moist and prevent constipation, polydextrose can absorb water, swell, and retain water in the human gut.

5. Cleansing and aesthetics

The intestine’s pH can be effectively regulated by polydextrose. Additionally, it can improve the conditions for the rapid reproduction of beneficial bacteria, including bifidobacteria, and increase their population. This inhibits the growth of saprophytes, prevents intestinal mucosal atrophy, and expedites the body’s excretion of toxins and metabolic waste, preventing toxins from exiting the skin and improving skin appearance while averting the development of hemorrhoids, gastroenteritis, colon cancer, and other illnesses.

User asked question:

Q: Is polydextrose an artificial sweetener?
A: The food industry mainly uses polydextrose, a polysaccharide, as an ingredient. Common uses include as a stabilizer and thickener in food to improve the texture and taste of food. Unlike artificial sweeteners, polydextrose does not provide sweetness, but is used to improve the physical properties of food.

Q: Is polydextrose the same as monosaccharide glucose?
A: Polydextrose is different from the monosaccharide glucose. One of the main molecules used as an energy source is glucose, a monosaccharide. It can be directly metabolized in living organisms. Polydextrose is a polysaccharide made up of multiple glucose molecules connected by chemical bonds. It is often added to meals as an additive to improve the flavor and stability of food. It is significantly different from glucose in chemical properties and uses.