Maltodextrin Protein Shakes

Learn about the benefits and dangers of the popular protein shake ingredient, maltodextrin.

Many people include protein shakes in their health plan. Protein shakes are available in different brands and come in many flavors and compositions. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at one ingredient, in particular, that’s found in more and more protein shakes, maltodextrin.

In addition to explaining its characteristics, we’ll also fill you in on its benefits as well as its potential dangers. Learn about all the details, both good and bad, of this controversial ingredient.

What is maltodextrin?

Maltodextrin is a popular ingredient for protein shakes thanks to the energy boost that it offers the body. People who workout to build muscle mass or resistance are common consumers because they benefit from the quick energy.

The union of a set of glucose molecules forms maltodextrin. Being a set of glucose molecules, it quickly gives the body a steady supply of energy. It’s an ingredient that comes in handy for athletes or gym-goers who demand a lot from their bodies.

Benefits of maltodextrin

Maltodextrin can have huge benefits as long as it’s used properly and in the right amounts. Always buy from specialized health stores with the help of a professional.

Professionals can explain how much you’ll need– which varies from brand to brand– depending on the intensity and type of workout you follow.

Taking maltodextrin protein shakes correctly will help you:

• Increase performance and delay fatigue during workouts.
• Recuperate faster and more effectively after workouts.
• Absorb proteins better.

Dangers

As we’ve mentioned in other posts, when it comes to maltodextrin protein shakes, you should only consume what you need. Consuming higher quantities than recommended doesn’t help build muscle mass faster or in general.

In fact, consuming higher quantities than the recommended amount can increase fat mass, which leads to weight gain. Far from defining muscles, excessive amounts can lead to a fatter frame.

In addition, maltodextrin shakes should be completely off-limits for the following population groups. If you identify with one of the groups on our list, you should never take maltodextrin shakes.

Diabetics

People with diabetes should never take maltodextrin protein shakes because they present a serious threat to their health.

Maltodextrin shakes quickly boosts energy with glycogen, which is a red flag for diabetics as their blood sugar levels are already high.

While maltodextrin doesn’t pose as big a threat as glucose does, it can still be harmful. Glucose spikes the body’s blood sugar levels; in other words, it increases the levels significantly. On the other hand, maltodextrin doesn’t raise levels as high, but it keeps those levels elevated.

People with Celiac disease

People who suffer from a gluten intolerance should avoid maltodextrin protein shakes unless the label specifies that the product is gluten-free.

Unfortunately, most products don’t undergo the necessary procedures to remove gluten. If there’s any doubt about the content, you should avoid it.

Maltodextrin is extracted from the starch of barley, wheat, corn or other grains. If the product doesn’t specify the source, people with Celiac disease should refrain from using it, because there could be serious consequences.

In any case, you should consult a medical specialist and the product seller for any questions. They’re the most appropriate people to answer your questions and can help you to get the most out of this product without putting your health at risk.