Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Polydextrose is a synthetic polymer of glucose commonly used as a soluble fiber and prebiotic in food products. Its use to support the small intestine is primarily justified by scientific evidence. Polydextrose is minimally digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract, allowing it to reach the colon mostly intact. In the small intestine, it exerts mild osmotic effects, increasing stool bulk and water content, but its primary impact is considered to be in the colon where it serves as a substrate for fermentation by beneficial bacteria.

Several clinical and preclinical studies demonstrate that polydextrose can modulate gut microbiota composition, favoring the growth of health-promoting bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Although most fermentation occurs in the large intestine, some effects begin in the distal small intestine, suggesting a role in supporting overall gut health. Its consumption has been associated with improved bowel regularity, increased production of short-chain fatty acids, and modulation of immune functions related to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, some of which reside in the small intestine.

Authoritative reviews, including those by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US FDA, recognize polydextrose as a dietary fiber with prebiotic effects, and it is generally considered safe and effective for supporting digestive health. However, its direct effects are more pronounced in the colon than in the small intestine. Overall, the evidence base supports its use for gut health, with indirect benefits to the small intestine.

More about Polydextrose
More about Small Intestines

Other ingredients that support Small Intestines

2'-Fucosyllactose
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
amino acids
amylase
amylopectin
asparagus
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bayberry
berberine
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
broccoli
rice
brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
caprylic acid
carrot
chia seed
chicory
cinnamon
coating
colostrum
turmeric
endo-peptidase
exo-peptidase
fennel
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
flavonols
flaxseed
folate
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fungal protease
ginger
green banana
green tea
gurmar
cellulose
immunoglobin G
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
kale
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-glutamine
lactase
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
lemon
lipase
magnesium
marshmallow
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
n-acetyl-glucosamine
okra
ox bile
pancreatin
parsley
pear
peptidase (DPPIV)
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
phospholipids
phytase
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)
protease
protein
butyric acid
pumpkin
saccharomyces boulardii
sardines
slippery elm bark
soybean
spinach
starch
streptococcus thermophilus
sucrase
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tributyrin
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin D3
seaweed
water
watermelon
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
papaya
pterocarpus marsupium
lingzhi
yarrow
bile salt
sodium salt
dioscorea
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
polyphenols
trace minerals
purslane
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
chickpea protein
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
Aminopeptidase
Alchornea
Alpha-glycans
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Algal protein
Arabinoxylan
Animal protein
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Brassica
Bran
Bael
Butternut
Bacillus licheniformis
Bile
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
bile acid
Bacillus
Buckwheat
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Centella triterpenes
Curry leaf
Cowpea
Cinnamomum
Carvacrol
Cape Aloe
Citrus
Cruciferous
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Corktree
Clostridium butyricum
Debaryomyces hansenii
Diamine Oxidase
Enterococcus
Egg
Eucheuma
Enzyme Blend
Egg protein
Fig
Fiber
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Galactosidase
glucose
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Soy Protein

Other body systems supported by Polydextrose

Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Intestinal System
Large Intestines (Colon)
Small Intestines

Products containing Polydextrose

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.