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Polydextrose

    Synonyms: E1200; Litesse; polydextrose A; polydextrose K; STA-Lite.

    Description: Polydextrose occurs as an odorless, off-white to light tan powder with a bland, slightly sweet to slightly tart taste, dependent upon grade. Polydextrose is also available as a clear, light yellow to colorless liquid (70% dry substance), which is odorless with a slightly sweet taste.

    Chemical Name: Polydextrose

    Coating agent; diluent; granulation aid; humectant; tablet and capsule diluent; tablet binder; tablet filler; viscosity-increasing agent.

    • Polydextrose is used in pharmaceutical formulations and food products. In food products it is used as a bulking agent; it also has texturizing and humectant properties.

    • Although polydextrose can be used in a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations, its primary use is in solid-dosage forms.

    • In tableting, polydextrose solutions are used as binders in wetgranulation processes.

    • Polydextrose is also used in the manufacture of directly compressible tableting excipients.

    • Polydextrose solutions may also be used, in conjunction with other materials, as a film and tablet coating agent.

    • Polydextrose acts as a bulking agent in the formulation of ‘sugarfree’ confectionery-type dosage forms.

    • In conjunction with isomalt, lactitol, or maltitol, polydextrose can be used in the manufacture of ‘sugar-free’ hard-boiled candies and acacia lozenges or pastilles as a base for medicated confectionery.

    • The combination of high water solubility and high viscosity of polydextrose facilitates the processing of sugar-free candies of excellent quality.

    • Polydextrose is amorphous and does not crystallize at low temperatures or high concentrations, so it can be used to control the crystallization of polyols and sugars and therefore the structure and texture of the final product.

    Incompatible with oxidizing agents, strong acids, and alkalis, forming a brown coloration and depolymerizing.

    Polydextrose is used in oral pharmaceutical applications, food products, and confectionery, and is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material.

    Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Polydextrose may be irritant to the eyes. Eye protection and gloves are recommended. Conventional dust-control practices should be employed.