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E1200 (Polydextrose) – Food Additive

E1200 (polydextrose) is a synthetic soluble fiber used in food production as a bulking agent and fat replacer. It is low in calories and supports digestive health.

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Things worth knowing about "E1200"

E1200 (polydextrose) is a synthetic soluble fiber used in food production as a bulking agent and fat replacer. It is low in calories and supports digestive health.

What is E1200 (Polydextrose)?

E1200, commonly known as polydextrose, is a synthetically produced, water-soluble dietary fiber widely used as a food additive in the food industry. It is manufactured from glucose with small amounts of sorbitol and citric acid, resulting in a highly branched, randomly bonded polymer structure. Polydextrose is approved as a food additive in the European Union under the E-number E1200 and is recognized as safe in many countries worldwide.

Properties and Functions

Polydextrose is nearly tasteless and has a very low caloric value of approximately 1 kcal per gram (compared to 4 kcal/g for sugar). These characteristics make it a popular ingredient in calorie-reduced and sugar-free food products.

Bulking agent: Polydextrose adds volume and texture to foods without significantly increasing calorie content.
Fat replacer: It can partially substitute fat in certain products while maintaining a creamy or smooth texture.
Humectant: It retains moisture, thereby extending the shelf life of baked goods and other food items.
Dietary fiber: As a soluble fiber, it contributes to the promotion of gut health.

Occurrence in Foods

E1200 is found in a wide range of processed foods, particularly in:

Diet and light products (e.g., low-calorie yogurts, desserts)
Baked goods and confectionery
Breakfast cereals
Beverages and dairy products
Salad dressings and sauces
Dietary supplements

Health Effects

Potential Benefits

As a soluble dietary fiber, polydextrose may offer several health benefits:

Gut health support: Polydextrose is poorly digested in the small intestine and passes largely intact into the colon, where it acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Blood sugar control: Since polydextrose is minimally absorbed, it has little impact on blood glucose levels, making it suitable for individuals with diabetes mellitus.
Weight management: Its low caloric density and satiating effect may support body weight control.
Cholesterol levels: Some studies suggest a potential modest reduction in LDL cholesterol levels.

Possible Side Effects

Excessive consumption of polydextrose may cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to its fermentation in the colon. Potential symptoms include:

Bloating and flatulence
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea (at very high intakes)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established a well-tolerated daily intake of up to 90 g for adults, although sensitive individuals may experience symptoms at lower amounts.

Safety and Approval

E1200 is approved in the European Union, the United States (where it holds GRAS status -- Generally Recognized As Safe), and in many other countries. Both the EFSA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have assessed polydextrose as safe for consumption. No carcinogenic or mutagenic properties have been identified. The substance is considered safe for healthy adults and children when consumed in normal dietary amounts.

Labeling

In the EU, foods containing polydextrose must declare the additive in the ingredient list either as polydextrose or as E1200, in accordance with the EU Food Information Regulation (FIR, EU No. 1169/2011).

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to polydextrose. EFSA Journal 2011;9(4):2036.
Flood, M. T. et al.: A dietary fiber with prebiotic properties to promote gut health. Journal of Nutrition, 2004.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA): GRAS Notice Inventory - Polydextrose. FDA.gov.

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