The Lab
Specimen No. 0219
CautionDerivedfood additivethickener

Maltodextrin

CAS 9050-36-6 · E1400 · malto-dextrin · modified food starch (maltodextrin)

Refined starch-derived polysaccharide used as a filler, thickener and carrier. It is digested to glucose and produces a high glycemic response; mouse and in-vitro studies link it to gut-barrier and microbiome effects relevant to inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility.

medium confidence
Researched July 7, 2026

Concerns

  • In-vitro and cell studies show maltodextrin enhances biofilm formation and epithelial adhesion of Crohn's-disease-associated adherent-invasive E. coli (Nickerson & McDonald 2012)
  • In mice, a maltodextrin-enriched diet drove endoplasmic-reticulum-stress-mediated depletion of the protective intestinal mucus layer and worsened experimental colitis (Laudisi et al. 2018)

Regulatory flags

  • IARC Class: NL
  • EDC Status: None
  • Regulatory: US: GRAS; EU: permitted
  • Evidence Grade: B (animal / in-vitro)

Commonly found in

Protein powdersSaucesInstant foodsSugar substitutesSnack seasonings

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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