fiber Fiber Oral

Polydextrose

A low-calorie, soluble fiber used as a bulking agent and prebiotic in foods and supplements.

Sci.Polydextrose litesse fiber litesse polydextrose litesse polydextrose fiber litesse (r) ii polydextrose litesse(r) ii polydextrose polidextrose polydextrose polydextrose syrup sta-lite iii polydextrose
2 forms
Oral

About Polydextrose

Polydextrose is a synthetic, water-soluble, low-calorie carbohydrate polymer composed of randomly bonded glucose units, with minor amounts of sorbitol and citric or phosphoric acid. It is classified as a soluble dietary fiber due to its resistance to digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract and fermentation in the colon. Primarily used as a bulking agent, texturizer, and sugar/fat replacer in processed foods and supplements, it provides minimal calories (typically 1 kcal/g) while promoting gut health by increasing fecal bulk and acting as a prebiotic substrate.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
1857

At a glance

Suggested daily

No established RDA. General fiber recommendations for adults are 25-38 g/day; polydextrose can contribute to this total.

Max safe daily

No established UL. Doses above 50-90 g/day may cause significant gastrointestinal distress (bloating, flatulence, diarrhea).

Approval status

GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) in the US and approved as a food additive/fiber ingredient in many countries (EU, Codex).

Compare All Forms

2 forms

Compare supplement forms of Polydextrose by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Polydextrose

Low-calorie fiber, prebiotic, improves texture

  • UNII: VH2XOU12IE
  • CAS: 68424-04-4
  • Label category: synthetic
 — — — View →
Polydextrose Syrup/Liquid

Soluble prebiotic fiber. Supports digestive health & regular...

  • UNII: 8K6C6Z2L4O
  • CAS: 68424-04-4
  • Label category: synthetic
 — — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

E1200, Litesse, Litesse (brand name liquid forms), Poly-D-glucose, Polydextrose liquid, Polydextrose solution, STA-LITE, STA-LITE (brand name)

Type: Fiber

Category for Fiber ingredients

Watch out for

Possible interactions or cautions — talk to a healthcare provider if unsure.

  • May reduce absorption of some medications if taken simultaneously due to bulking effects; separate administration is advised.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Polydextrose forms:

Fiber Intake Weight Management Aid Prebiotic Effect Improves Bowel Regularity Blood Glucose Management Prebiotic Effect & Gut Health

And 3 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Polydextrose forms:

Gas How serious: Mild Gastrointestinal Discomfort How serious: low Laxative Effect How serious: Mild

What does the research say?

Polydextrose is well-studied as a dietary fiber and prebiotic. Scientific consensus from FDA, EFSA, and numerous clinical trials supports its safety and health benefits. Key evidence includes FDA recognition as a dietary fiber (2018), EFSA opinions confirming its physiological effects (e.g., increased fecal bulk, reduced post-prandial blood glucose), and multiple human studies demonstrating its prebiotic activity by increasing Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, improving bowel function, and potential benefits for metabolic health. The liquid/syrup form shares the same chemical identity and physiological effects as the powdered form.