Breastmilk, in comparison to cows milk, contains higher levels of the carbohydrate lactose, which means that formula manufacturers must make up the difference of the carbohydrates according to the Global Standard for the Composition of Formula. Many manufacturers have done this by adding plant-based sweeteners instead of the natural sweetener of lactose (as it is much cheaper to manufacture plant-based sweeteners).
What are these other sweeteners used?? Corn syrup, sugar, or brown rice syrup
Technically, maltodextrin falls under this category of plant-based sweeteners as it is derived from corn, rice, or potatoes. Maltodextrin is less sweet than the corn-syrup and brown rice syrup (which in the controversy of making formulas too sweet and starting children's addictions to sweets later in life, this could be a good thing). Due to the ban of sugar in formula in the European Union, maltodextrin also offers a simple alternative to lactose.
In comparison to the corn syrup, sugar, or brown rice syrup, maltodextrin is considered the best of the options. Of course, the very best is the organic lactose and Holle recognizes this by offering that option in their PRE stage of formula.
