[Cariogenic carbohydrates in maltodextrin-containing breast milk food substitutes]

Ten infant formulas containing maltodextrin were analysed for fermentable carbohydrates using enzymatic analysis test-combinations and a spectrophotometer. Besides lactose, sucrose and fructose an assessment was made of sugars typically contained in maltodextrin and corn syrup, namely maltose, maltotriose and glucose. Total carbohydrate was up to 10.3 g in 100 ml standard sample. Cariogenic sugars were found in concentrations between 4.0 and 7.3 g/100 ml. Declaration of the different types of carbohydrates, especially of maltodextrin/corn syrup proved to be insufficient in some products and consequently the consumer is not able to understand their cariogenic potential.