what is Polydextrose?

Polydextrose is a water-soluble dietary fiber with the chemical formula (C6H10O5)n, also known as polydextrin. It is a white or off-white solid particle, easily soluble in water, with a solubility of 70%. The pH value of a 10% aqueous solution is 2.5-7.0, and has no special taste.

The basic characteristics of polydextrose include its structure. It is a D-glucose polymer made from glucose, sorbitol and citric acid as raw materials, heated to a molten mixture in a specific ratio, and then condensed under vacuum. It is a D-glucose random condensation polymer, mainly composed of 1,6-glycosidic bonds, with an average molecular weight of about 3200, a limit molecular weight of less than 22000, and an average degree of polymerization of about 20.

Polydextrose has various physiological functions. First, it can prevent constipation, increase stool volume, and promote intestinal peristalsis. Secondly, it can adjust the function of the gastrointestinal tract, increase the content of beneficial bacteria, promote the absorption of nutritious substances, and reduce the contact time between harmful substances in the intestine and the intestinal wall. In addition, polydextrose can regulate blood sugar and hinder sugar absorption.

Polydextrose has a wide range of applications and can be used as food additives, such as thickeners, fillers, formulations, etc. It is an important raw material for various liquid and solid health drinks. Polydextrose can be widely used in low-energy, high-fiber functional foods due to its low-calorie, stable, and extremely high tolerance properties. For example, in baked goods, polydextrose can delay water evaporation and maintain or extend the shelf life of the product. In dairy products, polydextrose can replace sugar and fat, improving food texture and taste. The developed low-fat or fat-free products are suitable for obese people. At the same time, because polydextrose has a low blood sugar response and its metabolism does not depend on insulin, it can be used in foods suitable for diabetics. In addition, polydextrose also has the effect of weight control and weight loss.

What are some common uses of polydextrose?

Polydextrose is a water-soluble dietary fiber with various physiological functions and applications. The following are common uses of polydextrose:

Food additives: Polydextrose can be used in the food industry as a thickener, filler, formulation agent, etc. It can increase the viscosity of food and improve its taste and texture. At the same time, polydextrose can also be used as a natural sweetener to replace sucrose in food processing, such as biscuits, pastries, beverages, etc.

Health functional food: Polydextrose has health functions such as regulating blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, and preventing constipation, so it is widely used in various health functional foods. For example, it can be used as a low-sugar, low-fat, high-fiber food raw material to develop foods suitable for specific groups such as obese people and diabetics.

Pharmaceutical field: Polydextrose also has certain applications in the pharmaceutical field. It can be used as a drug carrier to prepare sustained-release preparations, controlled-release preparations, etc., to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic effect of drugs.

Industrial applications: Polydextrose can also be used in industrial fields, such as as a thickener and stabilizer for paper and textiles.

In short, polydextrose has a wide range of uses, covering many fields such as food, health care, medicine, and industry. As people's requirements for health and quality of life continue to increase, the market demand for polydextrose as a natural, healthy, and multifunctional food additive and raw material is also growing.