The Maximum Single Dose of Resistant Maltodextrin That Does Not Cause Diarrhea in Humans

• Published in: Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 2013, Vol.59(4), pp.352-357
• Main Authors: KISHIMOTO, Yuka, KANAHORI, Sumiko, SAKANO, Katsuhisa, EBIHARA, Shukuko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: diarrhea; non-effective dose level; resistant maltodextrin; soluble dietary fiber; tolerance
• ISSN: 0301-4800; 1881-7742
• DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.59.352

The objective of the present study was to determine the maximum dose of resistant maltodextrin (Fibersol®-2, a non-viscous water-soluble dietary fiber), that does not induce transitory diarrhea. Ten healthy adult subjects (5 men and 5 women) ingested Fibersol®-2 at increasing dose levels of 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, and 1.1 g/kg body weight (bw). Each administration was separated from the previous dose by an interval of 1 wk. The highest dose level that did not cause diarrhea in any subject was regarded as the maximum non-effective level for a single dose. The results showed that no subject of either sex experienced diarrhea at dose levels of 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 g/kg bw. At the highest dose level of 1.1 g/kg bw, no female subject experienced diarrhea, whereas 1 male subject developed diarrhea with muddy stools 2 h after ingestion of the test substance. Consequently, the maximum non-effective level for a single dose of the resistant maltodextrin Fibersol®-2 is 1.0 g/kg bw for men and >1.1 g/kg bw for women. Gastrointestinal symptoms were gurgling sounds in 4 subjects (7 events) and flatus in 5 subjects (9 events), although no association with dose level was observed. These symptoms were mild and transient and resolved without treatment.