Polydextrose

Core Functional Properties

Low Calorie

Polydextrose is barely digested by human digestive enzymes, delivering approximately 1 kcal per gram, less than one quarter of the caloric value of sucrose. It serves as an ideal bulking agent for low-energy foods.

High Water Solubility, Acid & Heat Resistance

Readily soluble in both cold and hot water, forming transparent solutions with moderate viscosity. Remains stable without precipitation under acidic environments and high-temperature processing conditions such as baking and sterilization.

Low Glycemic Response, Non-insulin Dependent

Hardly absorbed in the small intestine, resulting in minimal postprandial blood glucose fluctuation. Its metabolism does not rely on insulin, suitable for diabetics and individuals sensitive to blood sugar.

Prebiotic Effect

Reaches the large intestine intact and is fermented by beneficial gut bacteria, stimulating proliferation of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli and other probiotics, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and balancing intestinal microecology.

Moisturizing & Water Retention

Possesses strong water-binding capacity. It improves the softness of flour products and pastries, delays starch retrogradation and extends shelf life.

Low Caries Risk

Oral bacteria cannot utilize polydextrose to produce acid, hence it will not erode tooth enamel.

Physiological Regulatory Functions

As a functional dietary fiber, polydextrose exerts multiple physiological effects in human body:

• Intestinal Health: Absorbs water to increase stool bulk, stimulates intestinal peristalsis and facilitates bowel movement. Fermentation generates short-chain fatty acids, lowers intestinal pH and strengthens intestinal mucosal barrier.

• Weight Management: Forms a physical barrier in the stomach to delay gastric emptying and enhance satiety; binds partial fats inside the intestine to inhibit lipid absorption.

• Glucose & Lipid Metabolism Regulation: Slows glucose uptake and reduces postprandial blood glucose peak; adsorbs bile acids for excretion, helping lower triglyceride and LDL-C levels.

• Mineral Absorption: Acidifies intestinal environment to boost absorption of calcium, magnesium and other minerals.

• Immune Modulation: Preserves integrity of intestinal mucosa and stimulates activity of immune cells via optimizing gut microbiota.

Product Applications

Food & Beverage Industry

1.Dairy Products

• Yogurt & fermented milk: Improves texture and viscosity, delivers smoother mouthfeel, and acts as a prebiotic to boost probiotic growth

• Milk powder & infant formula: Source of soluble dietary fiber to support intestinal health

• Cheese products: Enhances meltability and reduces fat content

2.Bakery Goods

• Bread, cakes & biscuits: Partially replaces sucrose and fat to cut calories; enhances moisture retention, extends shelf life and strengthens dough structure

• Meal-replacement bakery items: Elevates fiber content and increases satiety

3.Beverages

• Functional drinks: Dietary fiber fortifier, supplying several grams of dietary fiber per serving

• Protein beverages: Optimizes mouthfeel and masks off-notes

• Fruit juices & tea drinks: Modulates sweetness and improves body/mouth thickness

4.Confectionery & Chocolate

• Sugar-free candies: Works synergistically with high-intensity sweeteners to improve aftertaste and mask metallic notes

• Chocolate: Partially replaces cocoa butter to reduce calories and enhance thermal stability

• Chewing gum: Sugar replacer

5.Sauces & Condiments

• Salad dressing & mayonnaise: Fat replacer for calorie reduction while maintaining creamy texture

• Ketchup & thick soups: Thickens formulations and optimizes texture

6.Meat Products

• Ham & sausages: Functions as humectant and texture improver to increase product yield

• Low-fat meat products: Mimics fatty mouthfeel

Health Food & Dietary Supplements

• Dietary fiber supplements: Manufactured directly into powders, tablets and capsules

• Weight management products: Enhances satiety and reduces calorie intake

• Intestinal wellness products: Prebiotic to promote growth of Bifidobacteria and other beneficial flora

• Meal replacements: Provides bulk and satiety while balancing nutrition

Pet Food

• Cat & dog food: Optimizes stool quality and promotes intestinal motility

• Functional pet treats: Boosts fiber content and controls calorie intake

Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Skincare: Humectant and sensory modifier

• Hair care products: Improves combability

• Toothpaste & mouthwash: Texture modifier

Pharmaceutical Sector

• Pharmaceutical excipients: Binder and filler for tablets

• Enteral nutrition preparations: Supplies soluble fiber to sustain intestinal function

• Sustained & controlled-release formulations: Matrix material to modulate drug release

Feed Industry

• Aquafeed: Binder to improve pellet stability

• Young livestock feed: Boosts intestinal development and improves animal health