Thanks to Margaret for her comment on maltodextrin. She has experienced significant energy drop after taking supplements containing maltodextrin and other sweeteners. Since I still find myself dealing with decreased energy, I checked my supplements, none of which have maltodextrin in them. I did, though, find 2 supplements that were problematic; both had sorbitol. One, a B12 supplement I’ve been taking for 3+ years now surprised me.
Her suggestion is to stop taking any supplements that have maltodextrin or artificial sweeteners for a few days to see if you notice a difference. This is a good suggestion, as stopping supplements for a few days will have no real consequences.
Information available on line says that maltodextrin is a sweet polysaccharide and has fewer calories than sugar. Made from rice and corn in products made in this country (mandated so as to be gluten-free). Apparently, and not surprisingly, other countries do not prohibit the use of wheat and soy for the creation of maltodextrin, so it is advised that those with celiacs avoid maltodextrin. Others with other food allergies are encouraged to not use it, either.
Common side effects are said to include diarrhea, and upset stomach; while more rare side effects are: skin rashes, vomiting, hives and asthma. On some sites weight gain is mentioned when consuming higher quantities of it. It is also mentioned that it is showing up in more processed foods now, so as it is more highly used the likelihood of allergic rections increases.
Margaret mentions fatigue and this does show up in some articles on its effects.
As I was scouring the web for information on this, I went to mercola.com (the site I trust the most) and he only mentions it in a study using it to compare with artificial sweeteners performance effects in athletes, finding that artificial sweeteners provide no performance enhancement at all, while maltodextrin with sugar, does provide a slight increase.
The less expensive, poorer quality supplements can have much more in them that is not good for you, so by all means purchase the highest quality supplements you can. If you know how to muscle test, then test them before purchase, and if you go to an AK practitioner (usually a chiropractor) have him/her test you as well with the supplements. And, of course, READ the labels!
So, if you are noticing any of these side effects and are on a gluten-free diet, then check your supplements and try Margaret’s suggestion and let us know what you discover.
I’ll let you know if I notice any difference with stopping the sorbitol supplements.
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