Lactic Acid vs Maltodextrin: which is worse?

What is Lactic Acid?

Lactic acid is an organic acid naturally produced during fermentation of carbohydrates by lactic acid bacteria. It gives fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese, and sauerkraut their characteristic tangy flavor. Commercial lactic acid used in food is produced by bacterial fermentation of glucose or lactose, or in some cases by chemical synthesis.

What is Maltodextrin?

Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide derived by partial hydrolysis of starch — most commonly corn starch in the US, but also wheat, potato, or rice starch. It is a white powder with a mild, slightly sweet taste and is highly soluble. Despite being classified as a carbohydrate, maltodextrin has a high glycemic index (GI of 85–105), often higher than table sugar.

Documented risks

Lactic Acid: Lactic acid is a normal byproduct of human metabolism (produced during anaerobic exercise). It is generally recognized as safe at food additive levels. Excessive consumption of foods acidified with lactic acid could theoretically contribute to dental erosion, as with all acidulants. For individuals with rare inborn errors of lactate metabolism, dietary lactic acid may require monitoring.

Maltodextrin: Maltodextrin's very high glycemic index (GI 85–105) means it causes rapid blood glucose spikes, potentially problematic for people with diabetes or insulin resistance. A 2012 study in PLoS ONE (Bhatt et al.) found that maltodextrin suppressed beneficial gut bacteria (like Lactobacillus) and increased Escherichia coli biofilm formation associated with Crohn's disease. A 2022 study in Nutrients noted maltodextrin's potential to disrupt gut microbiome composition at typical dietary intakes. Regulatory agencies have not restricted its use, but nutrition researchers increasingly flag it as a low-quality carbohydrate.