KUALA LUMPUR: Debate seems to be heating up on the usage of maltodextrin, a common carbohydrate additive, in certain toddler milk formulas.
It is known to give such formulas on the market for children aged one and above a mildly sweet taste.
The inference here is that this may not be good for the oral health of young children.
In a statement on Monday, Farm Fresh Berhad said maltodextrin yields a colourless, odourless powder with a mildly sweet taste and that manufacturers incorporate it into milk formulas to furnish infants with energy, mirroring the carbohydrate content of breast milk.
“Though less sweet than sucrose, maltodextrin offers a subtle sweetness advantageous for products requiring mild sweetness,”it said.
Widely present in processed foods like snacks, desserts, sauces, and beverages, it is also prevalent in sports drinks and supplements, providing readily digestible carbohydrates for rapid energy replenishment.
According to the National Oral Health Survey last year, close to 75 per cent of preschool children in Malaysia have bleeding gums and rotting teeth, which affects their wellbeing and development.
The issue of maltodextrin surfaced recently when a mother shared her heartache over her daughter’s need to have 20 baby teeth extracted due to oral pain.
The mother of the child, known as Chempaka Aulia, brought attention to the matter by posting a video on TikTok (@Tomyamfloat), aiming to raise awareness and educate other parents based on her own experience.
Explaining the cause behind her daughter’s tooth extraction, the mother attributed it to the high sugar content found in bottled and formula milk.
“When you’re faced with the necessity of removing 20 teeth, who is at fault? Undoubtedly, it’s the parents. Mothers particularly need to serve as strong role models, diligently monitoring their children’s nutrition,” she said in the video.
Azmi Zainal, Chief Operation Officer of Farm Fresh Berhad also known as ‘Boss Susu,’ has since stressed that milk products for toddlers should not have any added sugar.
They should instead maintain their natural flavour and freshness, he said, discussing the risks associated with using maltodextrin in the process of making milk.
His remarks however drew criticism from a variety of quarters.
But in his defence, a TikTok user and medical expert, @dr1 (Dr. Wan), countered the criticism by highlighting the potential consequences of excessive sugar intake.
Dr. Wan pointed out that high sugar levels in the body can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance.
Experts advise that for optimal nutrition, parents should opt for formulas containing premium nutrient blends, such as BB-12 Probiotic, FOS Prebiotic, and Omega 3, while avoiding ingredients like maltodextrin and glucose syrup solids.
They also suggest that parents use formulations prepared in Malaysia, where producers are required to disclose the entire contents.
