Maltodextrin

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 Maltodextrin is a white, odorless, tasteless polysaccharide produced from partial hydrolysis of starch (typically corn, potato, rice, or wheat starch). It consists of short chains of D-glucose units and is classified by its dextrose equivalent (DE), typically ranging from 3 to 20. Maltodextrin is easily digestible, water-soluble, and has a mildly sweet to nearly neutral flavor depending on its DE value. It is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications as a filler, thickener, bulking agent, and carrier, owing to its excellent functionality and safety.

Description

              Maltodextrin

Primary Uses

  1. Food & Beverage Industry

  • Bulking Agent: Used to add volume and texture to low-calorie or sugar-free foods without adding excessive sweetness.
  • Carrier for Flavors & Colors: Acts as a carrier or encapsulant for powdered flavors, seasonings, vitamins, and colorants.
  • Thickener and Filler: Enhances mouthfeel and consistency in soups, sauces, gravies, salad dressings, and baby foods.
  • Energy Source: Commonly used in energy drinks, protein powders, and sports supplements for fast-absorbing carbohydrates.
  • Sugar Substitute: Used in confectionery, bakery products, and beverages to replace sugar while maintaining texture and bulk.
  • Spray Drying Aid: Helps in producing stable powders by encapsulating liquids during spray drying (e.g., for milk powders or coffee creamers).
  • Fermentation Substrate: Used in brewing and fermentation processes as a controlled carbohydrate source.
  1. Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Tablet Binder and Filler: Functions as an excipient in tablet formulations, enhancing compression and stability.
  • Carrier for Active Ingredients: Used to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in powder, capsule, and liquid formulations.
  • Stabilizer: Stabilizes suspensions, syrups, and emulsions in over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
  • Taste Masking Agent: Helps mask bitter or unpleasant tastes of certain medications.
  1. Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements

  • Caloric Supplement: Incorporated in high-calorie and weight-gain supplements.
  • Prebiotic Support: Low-DE maltodextrins may provide minimal prebiotic benefits for gut health.
  • Powdered Supplements: Acts as a carrier or bulking agent for powdered vitamins, proteins, and minerals.

 

Secondary Uses

  1. Cosmetics & Personal Care

  • Stabilizer and Filler: Used in creams, lotions, and face powders for bulking and thickening.
  • Natural Binder: Added to skincare products for enhanced texture and to bind natural ingredients in formulations.
  • Encapsulation Agent: Used to encapsulate botanical extracts or essential oils in powder form.
  1. Industrial Applications

  • Adhesives & Paper Industry: Employed in water-based adhesives and paper sizing agents for improved bonding.
  • Textile Printing: Used as a thickening agent in some textile printing pastes.
  • Biodegradable Plastics: Occasionally used as a starch-derived additive in bioplastic formulations.
  1. Agricultural Applications

  • Carrier for Agrochemicals: Used to carry and evenly disperse micronutrients or pesticide formulations in powder form.
  • Animal Feed: Included as a carbohydrate source and binder in feed pellets and supplements.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes
  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): (C6H10O5)n
  • Common/Trade Name: Maltodextrin
  • CAS Number: 9050-36-6
  • HS Code: 1702.90.50
  • Synonyms: Hydrolyzed starch; Soluble starch; Starch hydrolysate; DE powder; Spray-dried maltodextrin

 

  1. Physical & Chemical Properties
  • Physical State: Fine, free-flowing powder
  • Color & Odor: White to off-white; odorless
  • Taste: Slightly sweet to bland depending on DE value
  • Solubility: Completely soluble in water
  • Dextrose Equivalent (DE): Typically 5–20
  • pH (1% solution): 4.0 – 7.0
  • Moisture Content: <6%
  • Bulk Density: ~0.5 – 0.8 g/cm³
  • Calorific Value: ~4 kcal/g

 

  1. Safety & Hazard Attributes
  • GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic; generally recognized as safe (GRAS)
  • Exposure Limits: No specific occupational limits; low risk under normal handling
  • Allergenicity: Gluten-free if derived from corn or rice; wheat-derived forms may contain gluten unless labeled gluten-free

 

  1. Storage & Handling Attributes
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and pests
  • Container Type: Food-grade polyethylene-lined kraft paper bags or fiber drums
  • Shelf Life: 18–24 months under recommended conditions
  • Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust; use protective gear during bulk handling

 

  1. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
  • Food Grade Approval: GRAS (FDA); E1400 (EU food additive)
  • Pharmaceutical Grade: Conforms to FCC, USP, and EP monographs
  • Labeling Requirements: Must indicate source for allergen disclosure (e.g., wheat-derived)
  • Kosher/Halal Certification: Available upon request
  • REACH & CLP: Not classified under hazardous substances

 

  1. Environmental & Health Impact
  • Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
  • Ecotoxicity: Low risk to aquatic and terrestrial environments
  • Bioaccumulation: Not bioaccumulative
  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified; considered safe for intended uses
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
  1. Safety Handling Precautions
  • PPE Required: Dust mask, gloves, and goggles for large-scale industrial handling
  • Handling Guidelines: Minimize dust generation; avoid static discharge in dry environments
  • Storage Measures: Keep container sealed when not in use; protect from humidity

 

  1. First Aid Measures
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical help if discomfort persists
  • Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water if irritation occurs
  • Eye Contact: Rinse with water for several minutes; consult physician if irritation persists
  • Ingestion: Safe for consumption in food-grade quantities; no adverse effects expected

 

  1. Firefighting Measures
  • Fire Hazards: Combustible dust hazard in powdered form in high concentrations
  • Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, COâ‚‚, or water spray
  • Special Precautions: Avoid dust cloud formation; remove ignition sources
  • Hazardous Combustion Products: COâ‚‚, CO, and minor organic volatiles under fire