Maltodextrin is derived from the starches naturally found in corn, potatoes, tapioca, wheat, and rice. Maltodextrin is made through a hydrolysis process, and corn is the most commonly used because it contains complex carbohydrate additives that are beneficial to babies.

As a parent, you are likely wondering if corn maltodextrin if safe, so here is what you need to know about it.

While there is no nutritional value in maltodextrin after it is processed into a powder, it’s used by baby formula manufacturers, like HiPP International to preserve ingredients as well as:

• Add Flavor
• Add Texture
• Improve Digestion
• Thicken Baby Formula
• Enhance Energy Level
• Substitute Sugary Additives
• Fill a Baby’s Tummy Longer
• Balance the Sweetness of Lactose
• Extend the Shelf-Life of Baby Formula
• Provide Calories Needed to Meet Growth Milestones

Keep in mind, the maltodextrin used in EU formulas are less likely to contain chemicals from the agricultural process than they would in American formulas. This is because of the strict farming practices observed in and around organic farms in the EU.

There are a few things to notice when reading European baby formula labels. First, maltodextrin is made from the starch in food, but not all starches are maltodextrin because of its processing method.

For example, HiPP HA Stage 1 lists starch as an ingredient, but it is whey, which is a derivative of cow milk starches. Starch must undergo a hydrolysis process before turning into maltodextrin.

If you notice a baby formula label has starch, do not panic that it is maltodextrin. Starch is added for several reasons, including to thicken products, add carbs, provide an energy source, or to substitute sugar and avoid glucose levels rising.

Starch is a complex carb, and babies need them to develop and reach growth milestones. To avoid starches, try out HiPP Stage 2 No Starch.

As maltodextrin undergoes a chemical change, parents naturally want to know more about it.

The FDA approves maltodextrin as a safe food additive, but recent research by the Cleveland Clinic found that maltodextrin may change gastrointestinal microbiota in people with digestive disorders and lead to inflammatory bowel disease.

If your baby displays symptoms of an upset stomach or is fussy, talk to your pediatrician about using a baby formula without maltodextrin.

• HiPP Comfort
• HiPP Anti-Reflux
• Lebenswert Stage 2 & Lebenswert Stage 3
• Loulouka Stage 2 & Loulouka Stage 3
• Holle Goat Bio Stage 1, Holle Goat Stage 2, Holle Goat Stage 3 - (Organic Maltodextrin in all stages)
• Holle A2 Stage 2, Holle A2 Stage 3 - (Organic Maltodextrin from Demeter Cows)
• Holle Cow Bio Stage 1, Holle Cow Stage 2, Holle Cow Stage 3 - (Organic Maltodextrin from Demeter Cows)

• Holle Bio Pre
• Holle A2 Stage 1
• HiPP Germany
• Loulouka Stage 1
• Lebenswert Stage 1
• HiPP Pre Combiotic
• HiPP Hypoallergenic
• HiPP Stage 2 No Starch
• HiPP Stage 3 Combiotic Organic
• Hipp UK Stage 1, Stage 2, & Stage 3
• Kendamil Stage 1, Stage 2, & Stage 3
• Kendamil Goat Stage 1, Stage 2, & Stage 3
• HiPP Dutch Stage 1, Stage 2, & Stage 3
• HiPP 1+ Organic Combiotic Kindermilch Toddler Formula
• HiPP 2+ Organic Combiotic Kindermilch Toddler Formula

Maltodextrin is safe in food and beverages. It is important to understand that maltodextrin adds calories, makes babies feel fuller longer, and balances the taste of lactose, but it can cause babies to gain weight and feel bloated or gassy.

It is vital to keep in mind that these symptoms are also associated with gluten intolerance, which validates why parents need to read labels or our blog!

We invite you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram as My Organic Company will continue to assess baby formula labels and keep you informed of ingredients.