Choosing an infant formula milk can be difficult even for attentive parents. Frequent questions from mothers include, for example, the following: Why do infant formulas contain maltodextrin? What is it? Is maltodextrin suitable for infants? Let’s answer these questions together.
What is maltodextrin and how is it obtained?
Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate made from corn, wheat or potato starch by hydrolysis (enzymatic breakdown of starch). It is a suitable carbohydrate for use in specialized nutrition such as infant, sports or clinical nutrition. Corn starch is most often used in infant formula.
Carbohydrates as a source of energy
Infant formula contains carbohydrates, which are an important part of a child’s diet. Carbohydrates should make up 50-55% of total energy intake.
In the production of infant formula, only certain carbohydrates may be used, which are allowed to be added by legislation regulating infant formula. The following carbohydrates can be added to infant formula – lactose, maltose, maltodextrin, glucose, glucose syrup.
The most commonly used carbohydrate in infant formula is lactose (milk sugar). However, there are cases where children are lactose intolerant (most often in the first 6 months of a baby’s life). This is because the production and secretion of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, may be delayed. This enzyme deficiency is common in newborns, but is usually temporary and disappears as the digestive system matures. In these cases, maltodextrin is considered more suitable for children who are more sensitive to lactose.
Did you know that…
…infant formula milk is one of the most strictly regulated foods in the European Union? The strict regulations they have to comply with are regularly reviewed and updated. Beggs, like all infant formulas, meets these requirements and is also a Gold Partner of the Czech Pediatric Society.
What is the function of maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin releases energy more slowly than ordinary sugars, so it makes you feel full for a longer time.
Maltodextrin also helps to improve the texture of foods and can improve the solubility of other ingredients in beverages. It can therefore also improve the preparation of infant formula milk. Thanks to maltodextrin, the milk does not form lumps and has a smooth consistency.
Tip from attentive parents
When choosing baby formula milk, keep in mind that every baby is different and there is no one-size-fits-all formula that suits every baby. The most important thing is that your baby likes the tastes of the formula and is satisfied. We wish you to find the right infant formula for your baby.
References:
1. Hofman DL, van Buul VJ, Brouns FJPH. Nutrition, Health, and Regulatory Aspects of Digestible Maltodextrins. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016; 56(12):2091-100. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2014.940415.
2. EFSA Scientific Opinion on the essential composition of infant and follow-on formulae. EFSA Journal 2014.
3. Gregorio GV, Gonzales MLM, Dans LF, Martinez EG. Polymer-based oral rehydration solution for treating acute watery diarrhoea (Review) Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016; Issue 12. Art. No.: CD006519. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006519.pub3.
4. Stubbs J, Ferres S, Horgan G. Energy density of foods: effects on energy intake. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2000;40(6):481-515. doi: 10.1080/10408690091189248.
5. da Silva, R.C. and Ferdaus, M.J., 2023. Technological Advances in Infant Formula Ingredients.
6. EU Regulation No. 2016/127 of 25 September 2015 supplementing Regulation No. 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) as regards specific composition and information requirements applicable to initial and continued infant nutrition.
