A prominent health expert has issued a stark warning about what he describes as the 'most dangerous carbohydrate in the world', revealing its widespread presence in common UK food products.
The Hidden Ingredient in Your Shopping Basket
Dr Eric Berg, a bestselling author and health guru with 2.5 million Instagram followers, has raised serious concerns about industrial starch, specifically pointing to modified food starch, modified corn starch, and maltodextrin. According to Dr Berg, this particular carbohydrate poses greater health risks than sugar, despite often being overlooked by consumers.
Why This Carb Is So Problematic
Dr Berg explained the multiple health concerns associated with this ingredient:
- It drives insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes more aggressively than sugar
- Contributes to fatty liver disease and significant visceral fat accumulation
- Destroys beneficial gut microbes while feeding harmful pathogens
- Causes significant inflammation, particularly in the gut where many diseases originate
- Generates small dense LDL cholesterol that can penetrate artery walls
"This carbohydrate spikes your blood sugar higher than sugar, yet it's not even classified as a sugar," Dr Berg stated. "It's a carb that bypasses every warning label that you're looking for."
Where You'll Find This Ingredient
The concerning aspect for UK consumers is how prevalent this ingredient has become in everyday products. Dr Berg highlighted its presence in:
- Gluten-free foods
- Baby formula
- Baked goods and treats
- Sports nutrition products
"It's not even a food; it's actually a filler to provide bulk," Dr Berg emphasised, distinguishing between natural starches and the factory-engineered versions he's warning about.
The Science Behind the Warning
Maltodextrin, one of the specific ingredients mentioned, undergoes intense processing according to medical sources. Created from rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch, it's broken down using acids or enzymes to produce a water-soluble white powder with neutral taste.
Scientific research has questioned its health credentials. A 2015 review noted that "exchanging unprocessed starch with maltodextrins may lead to an increased glycemic load and therefore post-meal glycaemia, which are viewed as less desirable for health."
Regulatory Status in the UK
In the United Kingdom, maltodextrin is regulated as a conventional food ingredient rather than a food additive. This classification stems from retained EU Regulation No. 1333/2008, which determines that certain substances aren't considered food additives.
The Food Standards Agency confirms this regulatory position, meaning consumers might not find this ingredient highlighted as prominently as other additives on product labels.
Understanding the Metabolic Impact
The rapid absorption of glucose from digested maltodextrins in the small intestine raises significant questions about metabolic effects. Post-meal glycaemia - the natural surge and decline of blood glucose levels after eating - becomes particularly problematic with rapidly absorbed carbohydrates.
For individuals with type 1 diabetes who cannot produce their own insulin, these blood sugar spikes can be more pronounced and prolonged. However, Dr Berg's warning extends to the general population, suggesting that regular consumption contributes to metabolic disorders even in those without existing diabetes.
The combination of rapid insulin spiking, gut microbiome disruption, and inflammatory effects creates what Dr Berg considers a perfect storm for metabolic health deterioration.
As consumers become increasingly aware of hidden ingredients in processed foods, this warning highlights the importance of scrutinising labels beyond just sugar content, looking specifically for modified starches and maltodextrin in products marketed as healthy alternatives.
