Maltodextrin is a highly processed white powder used as a thickener, filler, or preservative in many packaged foods. It is typically derived from corn, potato, rice, or wheat.
Because it is essentially a chain of glucose molecules (a polymer), it behaves much like a starch. In CSID, the Sucrase-Isomaltase (SI) enzyme complex is what’s missing or deficient. While Maltase-Glucoamylase (MGAM) is a separate enzyme complex that is usually technically present, the SI enzyme complex is actually responsible for 60% to 80% of the body’s total maltase activity.
So, while a person with CSID isn’t “MGAM deficient” by definition, they are still “Maltase deficient”, if the isomaltase part of their enzyme production is ineffective. Their remaining MGAM enzyme may or may not be able to keep up with a high load of maltose or maltodextrin on its own. This is why everyone with CSID has a different capacity to consume starches, and polysachharides.
If deficient in maltase, maltodextrin can pass undigested into the colon, leading to severe bloating, cramping, and osmotic diarrhea.
Why it is so tricky: Under FDA guidelines, “Total Sugars” only includes monosaccharides (like glucose) and disaccharides (like sucrose). Because maltodextrin is a polysaccharide (a longer chain), it is legally classified as a Total Carbohydrate rather than a sugar. This allows products to be labeled “Sugar-Free” even if they contain significant amounts of maltodextrin.
For those with CSID, this is misleading because the body attempts to break it down into glucose just as it would with table sugar, but the missing maltase-glucoamylase enzyme prevents this from happening successfully.
Important Note: Sucraid replaces the sucrase part of the SI enzyme, but it does not help with maltodextrin or starches.
Many patients mistakenly think taking their enzyme replacement makes “Sugar-Free” (maltodextrin-heavy) foods safe, but it doesn’t! This is a huge “gotcha” for people new to the diagnosis.
Commonly Found In:
Protein powders and sports drinks
Sugar substitutes (like Stevia or Splenda packets)
Salad dressings and sauces
Spice mixes and taco seasonings
frozen meats like chicken