Litesse Polydextrose Fiber
Also known as: Litesse Polydextrose, Litesse® Ultra, Litesse® Two, Polydextrose
Overview
Polydextrose is a synthetic polymer of glucose, classified as a soluble dietary fiber, prebiotic carbohydrate, and specialty carbohydrate. It is widely used as a low-calorie bulking agent and fiber supplement in various food products. Unlike most carbohydrates, polydextrose is not digested by human enzymes and reaches the colon intact, where it undergoes slow fermentation by beneficial gut microbiota. This unique characteristic allows it to provide a low energy value of approximately 1 kcal/g while offering significant health benefits. Its primary applications include fiber fortification, acting as a sugar and fat replacer in foods, supporting appetite control, and promoting overall digestive health. Research on polydextrose is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses confirming its efficacy in modulating appetite and improving gut health.
Benefits
Polydextrose offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in appetite regulation and gut health. Meta-analyses consistently show that polydextrose reduces the subjective desire to eat during satiation and satiety periods, leading to a statistically significant decrease in voluntary energy intake at subsequent meals. This effect is particularly beneficial for weight management. As a prebiotic, it enhances beneficial gut bacteria populations through slow fermentation, especially in the distal colon, which is crucial for maintaining digestive health. Animal studies have also indicated potential metabolic benefits, such as reductions in fasting plasma triglycerides and total cholesterol, likely mediated by gut microbiota modulation. Additionally, polydextrose supports gastrointestinal regularity and function and can lower the glycemic load of foods when used as a sugar substitute. The effects on appetite are observed acutely, while metabolic changes in animal models have been noted after approximately 14 days of supplementation.
How it works
Polydextrose functions by passing undigested through the upper gastrointestinal tract and reaching the colon. Here, it is slowly fermented by the resident gut microbiota, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs play a crucial role in influencing the secretion of gut hormones. Specifically, polydextrose has been shown to increase the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a key satiety hormone that helps reduce hunger and overall caloric intake. Furthermore, its fermentation modulates the composition of the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Actinobacteria, which may contribute to improved lipid metabolism. Its low glycemic index and sustained fermentation contribute to its ongoing prebiotic and metabolic effects.
Side effects
Polydextrose is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, even at relatively high intake levels. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or flatulence. These symptoms typically occur initially and tend to diminish with continued use as the body adapts. Uncommon side effects, reported in 1-5% of individuals, include rare instances of mild diarrhea. Serious adverse events are extremely rare, with no such occurrences documented in high-quality studies. There are no significant drug interactions reported with polydextrose. While no specific contraindications have been identified, caution is advised for individuals with severe pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders. Polydextrose is generally safe for healthy adults, but data on its use in children and pregnant women are limited.
Dosage
For appetite modulation and prebiotic effects, the minimum effective dose of polydextrose typically ranges from 8 to 15 grams per day, based on clinical trials. The optimal dose often falls within 10-15 grams per day, aiming to balance efficacy with tolerability. While a maximum safe dose has not been firmly established, studies have shown doses up to 30 grams per day to be well-tolerated. To maximize satiety effects, polydextrose is often consumed with or shortly before meals. It is available in various forms, including powder and as an ingredient incorporated into food products, with consistent bioavailability and fermentation across these forms. Since polydextrose is not absorbed and acts primarily in the colon, no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Litesse Polydextrose safe for long-term use?
Yes, studies indicate that polydextrose has good tolerability and safety when used over periods of weeks to months, making it suitable for long-term consumption.
How quickly does it reduce appetite?
Effects on appetite can be observed relatively quickly, typically within hours after consumption, contributing to acute satiety.
Does it cause digestive discomfort?
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating or flatulence may occur initially, but these usually subside as the body adjusts to the fiber intake.
Can it aid weight loss?
By reducing energy intake through appetite suppression, polydextrose may support weight management efforts when incorporated into a comprehensive weight loss program.
Is it suitable for diabetics?
Yes, polydextrose is generally suitable for individuals with diabetes due to its low glycemic impact and its ability to lower the glycemic load of foods.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4728658/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Ibarra et al. (2016) synthesized data from multiple randomized controlled trials. It concluded that polydextrose significantly reduces the desire to eat and overall energy intake, supporting its role in appetite control. The study highlighted consistent effect sizes across various trials, despite some minor heterogeneity in study designs.
- https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2016/02/09/Meta-analyses-support-appetite-reducing-ability-of-dietary-fiber/ – A NutraIngredients report on a meta-analysis by Ibarra et al. (2017) further confirmed the appetite-reducing effects of polydextrose. It noted an increase in the satiety hormone GLP-1, reinforcing the mechanism behind its hunger-suppressing properties. While acknowledging industry involvement, the report emphasized the verification of the data.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-05259-3 – This randomized controlled trial by Korpela et al. (2017), conducted in mice, investigated the metabolic effects of polydextrose. The study found that polydextrose supplementation reduced plasma triglycerides and total cholesterol and altered gut microbiota composition. While preclinical, it suggests a potential role for polydextrose in lipid metabolism through gut microbiome modulation.
- https://healthsciences.iff.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Editor/Documents/Litesse___GLP-1__Handout_-_IFF_Health_Sciences.pdf – This document from IFF Health Sciences highlights the role of Litesse Polydextrose in increasing GLP-1, a key satiety hormone. It provides an overview of how polydextrose contributes to appetite control by modulating gut hormone secretion, supporting its use in weight management strategies.
- https://healthsciences.iff.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Editor/Documents/Litesse_-_Brochure_-_The_sustained_prebiotic_for_digestive_health_-_Care4U_-_IFF_Health.pdf – This brochure from IFF Health Sciences describes Litesse Polydextrose as a sustained prebiotic fiber beneficial for digestive health. It emphasizes its ability to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria through slow fermentation, contributing to improved gut regularity and overall gastrointestinal function.
