Dextrin
Dextrin is a polysaccharide, modified starch obtained by heat treatment of corn or potato starch. In the human oral cavity, it is formed under the action of alpha-amylases when chewing food. Registered as a food additive E1400.
Depending on the catalyst, dextrin is subdivided into:
- Acidic dextrin obtained using an acid as a catalyst;
- Alkaline dextrin, produced using alkalis as a catalyst;
- Salt dextrin is a substance obtained with the participation of salts of strong acids and weak bases;
- Alum dextrin, otherwise called salt dextrin, which is obtained using aluminum-potassium alum.
Depending on the color, there are:
- White dextrins, which are a white powder made by breaking down wet starch;
- Yellow dextrins, otherwise called "burnt", are a yellow-brown powder obtained by heating dry starch.
Making dextrin
The production of the food additive E1400 is carried out in two ways:
- Partial digestion of wet starch (with and without acids);
- By exposing dry starch to a temperature of 200 degrees (with the possible addition of acids).
The production of dextrin in the second case is as follows: powdered starch is mixed with a small amount of fuming (concentrated) acid to moisturize, kept for up to 6 hours in a plastic bag, and then dried and heated in an oven at a temperature of 150-200 degrees Celsius for 2-5 hours.
The degree of solubility of a substance in water depends on the color of the product: the yellow dextrin is barely soluble by 87%, and almost completely soluble (by 95%) has a bright yellow-brown hue.
Dextrin use
Dextrin in the food industry is used as a thickener, stabilizer, binder, and the good solubility of the substance allows it to be used as a carrier for active components of dyes and food powders. Used in confectionery (caramel, toffee, baby food, chewing gum), ice cream, marmalade.
Corn dextrin can be used as a sweetener in canning, homemade wine, baking. Due to its viscous consistency and the presence of fermentation-promoting substances, dextrin can be used in the production of beer.
Dextrin is also used in the textile, footwear, printing, match industries for the preparation of adhesives and solutions (label stickers, gluing bags, making adhesive tape, as an adhesive for envelopes and stamps, in the manufacture of food containers).
The use of dextrin is advisable in foundry, for the manufacture of glass fibers, in light industry (in order to increase the density of paints, in the production of water-resistant ceramics), etc.
The shelf life of dextrin is not more than one year from the date of production. The optimal condition under which the substance retains its characteristics is a ventilated, dry room with a humidity not higher than 75%.
Effects of dextrin on health
As a starch processed product, potato or corn dextrin is better absorbed by the body than regular starch and is a nutrient used by the human body for energy.
The safety indicators of the E1400 additive comply with the SanPiN 2.3.2.1078-01 "Hygienic Requirements for the Safety and Nutritional Value of Food Products".
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