Gut health has become a major focus in nutrition and wellness. At the same time, concern is growing about how certain food additives and preservatives may disrupt the gut’s delicate balance.
While some ingredients are considered safe, others are drawing more scrutiny for their potential to harm digestive health.
1. Maltodextrin
You might spot maltodextrin on the label of a sports or energy drink. This ingredient is also found in candy, salad dressing , and instant soup mix.
Maltodextrin is a starch-derived ingredient added to foods to thicken texture and improve shelf life. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies it as “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS), meaning it is considered safe in the small amounts typically used in food.
Because maltodextrin comes from starch