Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is an easily digestible carbohydrate made from natural corn starch. It is a step above a sugar molecule but it is more broken down from processing than a normal complex carbohydrate. This product does not create as large an insulin spike as a dextrose or glucose product does, but it offers the body an easy to break down carbohydrate that has a moderate release rate. If dextrose is a fast release rate then maltodextrin comes a bit after that.

The main use for maltodextrin in the supplement industry is for use in weight gaining formulas, or for adding to your own whey protein to create your own protein-carbohydrate mixed drink. Maltodextrin, unlike dextrose, has little to no flavour or sweetness so it does not alter the flavour of the foods or drinks it is added to.

If you find the typical weight gaining product does not meet your caloric needs, or perhaps you want to be able to control the amount of carbohydrates you have in each shake, then picking up maltodextrin is for you. Making your own weight gain formula is a great way to fill your body with protein and carbohydrates at critical times (pre-workout and post-workout) all the while controlling how many extra carbohydrates you have at other times of the day (like at night before bed).

Maltodextrin can be added to baking products as well without changing the flavour of the baked goods. This is a great way to make some protein rich, carbohydrate rich muffins or pancakes at home without having to use excess amounts of wheat for your carbohydrate source.

Even though maltodextrin is slower to breakdown in the body than dextrose it is not a complex carbohydrate. It is simply a bit slower than standard sugar.