Can I take maltodextrin if I'm pregnant?

There are no particular contraindications to taking maltodextrin during pregnancy. However, care should be taken with the source of the product and its quality: certified organic and GMO-free maltodextrin should always be preferred, as should products without additives or sweeteners.

The greatest precaution is related to a potential situation of gestational diabetes, during which maltodextrin is strongly discouraged, as are other types of carbohydrate.

So how do you take maltodextrin when you're pregnant? What are the benefits of this ingredient? And what are the risks? We explain!

What is maltodextrin?

Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate obtained by the hydrolysis of starch. It is an interesting ingredient in sports nutrition. It is mainly used to support physical performance and improve energy recovery after a sports session, as a complement to protein.

Definition and sources

Maltodextrin is extracted from cereals or starches, such as corn, rice, potatoes, wheat or manioc. Most maltodextrins are gluten-free.

The production process is based on the hydrolysis of starch, which is transformed into shorter chains by the action of an enzyme (natural or not, depending on the type of malt, with or without solvents).

Maltodextrin comes in the form of a white, neutral-tasting powder that dissolves easily in any liquid, in a flask of water or in a shaker.

This food has the advantage of providing large quantities of carbohydrates with no sweet taste and low osmotic power.

Common use of malto

Maltodextrin is a widely used ingredient in the food industry, in yoghurts, sauces and salad dressings, for its thickening, preservative and texture-enhancing properties.

However, it is not an additive in the regulatory sense of the term. In fact, its degree of transformation is not great enough to consider it as such, so it is not listed in Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 16, 2008 on food additives.

In the sporting arena, malto offers numerous benefits to the body, including a continuous source of energy for long-duration events. It is widely used by athletes training for marathons or, in a very different way, by body-builders seeking to promote mass gain, as a complement to an adequate protein intake.

What are the potential benefits of maltodextrin during pregnancy?

When consumed in ideal quantities, maltodextrin has beneficial effects on the athlete's body (in preparation for exercise, as an exercise drink, and for energy recovery).

In theory, these effects will be the same for sportswomen, whether pregnant or not. However, it is important to stress that there is no real beneficial effect specific to pregnancy.

Easier digestion

Thanks to the hydrolysis process, which produces shorter polymer chains, maltodextrin differs from starch in that it is easier to digest.

Used in small quantities and with proteins, maltodextrin can be an interesting addition for women in particular situations of caloric deficit linked to an inability to eat properly.

But beware: this is a very special situation, which needs to be validated and supervised by a specialist doctor.

What are the potential risks of using maltodextrin during pregnancy?

Maltodextrin, whether consumed pure or in products with other ingredients, has beneficial effects for athletes. But it can also present potential risks in certain situations and with inappropriate use.

As a general rule, you should avoid trying new dietary strategies during pregnancy, which is already a stressful phase for the body.

However, if malto is consumed by the sportswoman as an exercise drink and/or in a recovery product, and if the product is of high quality, additive-free and impeccably traceable, there is no particular risk in continuing to consume it.

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Impact on blood sugar levels

As a complex carbohydrate, maltodextrin rapidly raises blood sugar levels thanks to its relatively high glycemic index, although this varies from type to type, as we've seen. This automatically leads to a rise in blood sugar levels, which should be taken into consideration by women expecting a baby. Especially if gestational diabetes is diagnosed.

Even though malto can be considered a classic food, we recommend that you always seek the advice of a specialist doctor if you have the slightest doubt.

While malto can be consumed by pregnant athletes as part of an exercise and/or recovery drink, we do not recommend its use as a pre-exercise (glycogenic load) in this case, as a precaution.

Allergies and intolerances

Maltodextrin is considered a safe ingredient. However, some people find it less tolerable than others. Particularly at high doses, it can cause intestinal problems.

The gluten present in certain cereals can cause allergies or intolerances.

It's important to check the ingredients list for the presence of any trace allergens.

Recommendations for maltodextrin consumption during pregnancy

Taking maltodextrin during pregnancy is not particularly inadvisable, although carbohydrate intake should be monitored during this period. If you're not used to eating maltodextrin, it's best to wait until the end of your pregnancy before including it in your diet.

Medical advice

Before consuming maltodextrin while pregnant, it is advisable to seek advice from a health professional specializing in the needs of athletes. There are no particular contraindications, although it is preferable for these sportswomen to know the dosages and precautions to be taken, specifically adapted to their personal situation.

Dosages and precautions

Although it poses little risk during pregnancy, maltodextrin should be consumed in moderation by pregnant women. The main sources of carbohydrates should come from the conventional diet; supplements are only nutritional aids in optimization.