Energy value evaluation of hydrogenated resistant maltodextrin

Area of Science:

• Dietary Fiber Research
• Human Nutrition
• Gastrointestinal Physiology

Background:

• Hydrogenated resistant maltodextrin (H-RMD) is a dietary fiber.
• Its energy value has not been previously reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the energy value of H-RMD.
• To understand its digestion, absorption, and metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract.

Main Methods:

• In vitro digestion and fermentability tests.
• In vivo blood glucose measurements and rat excretion tests.
• Indirect calorimetry with breath hydrogen measurement in humans.

Main Results:

• H-RMD showed minimal hydrolysis by salivary amylase and rat intestinal enzymes.
• Ingestion did not elevate human blood glucose levels.
• Fermentation by enterobacteria was observed in vitro.
• Rats excreted 42% of H-RMD as saccharides.
• Metabolizable energy was determined to be 1.1 kcal/g in humans.

Conclusions:

• H-RMD is not significantly digested or absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• It undergoes fermentation in the colon, producing short-chain fatty acids.
• This fermentation yields a lower energy value compared to standard resistant maltodextrin.