Long Chain Polysaccharide Maltodextrin
Also known as: Long Chain Polysaccharide Maltodextrin, long chain maltodextrin, complex carbohydrate maltodextrin, Maltodextrin
Overview
Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide derived from starch hydrolysis, commonly sourced from corn, rice, potato, or wheat. Long Chain Polysaccharide Maltodextrin (LCM) specifically refers to maltodextrins characterized by longer glucose chains, higher degrees of polymerization (DP), and lower dextrose equivalent (DE) values compared to their shorter-chain counterparts. It is classified as a carbohydrate supplement and is widely utilized in sports nutrition as an energy source or, notably, as a carbohydrate oral rinse to enhance exercise performance. LCM is an easily digestible and rapidly absorbed carbohydrate, though its longer chains contribute to lower sweetness and slower digestion rates when ingested. Research on maltodextrin, particularly its application as an oral rinse, is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Maltodextrin, particularly when used as an oral rinse, has demonstrated a small but statistically significant improvement in exercise performance. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 studies (n≥30 per group) found that maltodextrin-based carbohydrate oral rinses improved exercise performance with a small effect size (standardized mean difference ~0.15 to 0.17; p=0.01 to 0.051) compared to placebo. This benefit is primarily observed in athletes and physically active individuals during endurance or high-intensity exercise. The performance enhancement is attributed to central nervous system activation rather than metabolic effects. Additionally, long chain maltodextrins are perceived as less sweet and less intense than short chain maltodextrins (p=0.0001), which can be a beneficial characteristic for formulation in certain products. The benefits are typically observed with short-term use during exercise, specifically with a 10-second oral rinse of a 6-6.5% maltodextrin solution.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for maltodextrin in the context of oral rinsing, particularly for performance enhancement, involves the activation of oral carbohydrate receptors. These receptors, likely including T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors or other complex carbohydrate sensors, stimulate specific brain regions associated with reward and motor control. This stimulation enhances central drive and can improve exercise performance without the need for ingestion or metabolic processing of the carbohydrate. Therefore, the effect is mediated by central nervous system stimulation rather than direct metabolic carbohydrate oxidation. When ingested, maltodextrin is rapidly hydrolyzed into glucose in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to quick absorption and serving as an energy source.
Side effects
Maltodextrin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption, and its use as an oral rinse is considered safe with minimal associated risks. In studies investigating maltodextrin oral rinses, no common (greater than 5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (less than 1%) side effects have been reported. There are no significant drug interactions documented for maltodextrin. While generally safe, individuals with glucose metabolism disorders should exercise caution if ingesting large amounts of maltodextrin due to its rapid conversion to glucose. For oral rinsing, there are no specific contraindications, and it is considered safe for most populations, though data on special populations remains limited. Overall, the safety profile of maltodextrin, especially in the context of oral rinsing, is very favorable.
Dosage
For performance enhancement via oral rinsing, the minimum effective dose is a maltodextrin concentration of 6-6.5% used as an oral rinse for 10 seconds during exercise. This concentration and duration are considered optimal for eliciting the central nervous system-mediated performance benefits. The maximum safe dose for oral rinsing has not been specifically established, but given its GRAS status and lack of reported side effects, it is considered very safe. When ingested for energy supply, maltodextrin doses up to 30-50 grams per serving are common in sports nutrition products without adverse effects. The timing of the oral rinse is crucial; it should be performed during exercise bouts to maximize performance improvement. For oral rinsing, the solution form is preferred, as absorption is not the goal; rather, it is the activation of oral receptors.
FAQs
Does maltodextrin oral rinse improve exercise performance?
Yes, meta-analyses indicate a small but statistically significant improvement in exercise performance with maltodextrin oral rinses, primarily through central nervous system activation.
Is maltodextrin ingestion necessary for performance benefits?
No, oral rinsing alone can enhance performance by stimulating central nervous system pathways, without the need for ingestion or metabolic processing.
Are there taste differences between maltodextrins?
Yes, long chain maltodextrins are perceived as less sweet and less intense in taste compared to short chain maltodextrins.
Is maltodextrin safe?
Yes, maltodextrin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption, and oral rinsing with it has shown minimal to no reported side effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9325805/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 randomized controlled trials found that maltodextrin-based carbohydrate oral rinses resulted in a small but statistically significant improvement in exercise performance (SMD=0.15). The study highlights the ergogenic effect, primarily mediated by central nervous system activation, and notes the heterogeneity in study protocols as a limitation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11790608/ – This controlled sensory study with 37 adults investigated taste perception differences between long chain and short chain maltodextrins. It concluded that long chain maltodextrin had significantly lower taste intensity (7.3 ± 1.1) compared to short chain maltodextrin (13.7 ± 1.7), providing valuable insights into the sensory properties relevant for product formulation.
- https://www.fda.gov/files/food/published/Review-of-the-Scientific-Evidence-on-the-Physiological-Effects-of-Certain-Non-Digestible-Carbohydrates-PDF.pdf – This FDA review discusses the physiological effects of various non-digestible carbohydrates, including maltodextrins. While focusing on resistant maltodextrin, it generally supports the safety of maltodextrins and suggests potential modest effects on glycemic control, acknowledging variability based on maltodextrin type and study design.
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