Polydextrose is a polysaccharide, a special form of glucose without sweetening effect, which is only slightly broken down and absorbed by the body. The substance is water soluble and tooth-friendly and the amount of calories is only a quarter in relation to the same amount of sugar. It therefore acts as a fiber and thus as a prebiotic. The substance is used as substitute for sugar and fat and in supplements it can be used as bulking agent, stabilizer, thickener, and humectant.
Polydextrose is produced by a polymerization, which means a linking process in which glucose (grape sugar), a little sorbitol and citric acid are bound together in long chains, which are not easily broken down in the intestine.
Polydextrose has E number 1200. It is a well-studied substance in both animals and humans and has not been shown to have side effects as an excipient in tablets and capsules. Only at high doses, ie. more than 10 - 15 g you can get gas in the stomach and in doses above 90 g the substance can have a laxative effect.
