Starches are a common group of ingredients in dietary supplements, complex carbohydrates made up of long-chain glucose molecules. They are abundant in plants and are the main form of energy storage. Common dietary sources of starch include grains (such as wheat, rice, tapioca, and corn), potatoes, and legumes. If you are looking for the right starch to provide high quality, enhanced consistency, stability, and texture to your products, Alfa Chemistry's starches are the solution.
We offer a wide range of commercially available starches, including low moisture starches, modified waxy maize starches, native starches, and pregelatinized starches, that provide delicious, versatile texture solutions to food design challenges. The properties of these starch products are determined by their plant origin and further chemical and/or physical modifications. Depending on the application and the specific qualities required, such as adhesive, viscosity building, flow, and film forming properties, the optimal starch is selected using natural, pregelatinized, or modified product properties.
The Role of Starch in Dietary Supplements
By adding starch to a formulation, manufacturers can increase the volume of a product without significantly increasing the cost. This is particularly useful for supplements that require a larger dosage form or have a low density of active ingredients.
- Flowability and Compressibility
Starch helps ensure that ingredients are evenly mixed and promotes tablet formation. Starches with the right particle size and moisture content can improve the productivity and physical properties of dietary supplements.
Starch acts as a hygroscopic agent and prevents degradation of sensitive active ingredients. Starches with good moisture resistance help prevent supplements from deteriorating due to humidity.
Starch and Healthy Diet
Starch plays an important role in a healthy diet.
Starch is an important source of energy for the body. It is digested into glucose, which is then utilized by the body for energy. Moderate intake of starch helps maintain the body's energy balance. Certain starches are rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains and certain vegetables. Dietary fiber helps promote intestinal health, prevents constipation, and may help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. - Choose Healthy Starchy Foods
When choosing starchy foods, give preference to unprocessed, whole grain-based foods such as whole grain bread, brown rice, oats, and whole wheat flour. The relatively high dietary fiber content of these foods helps to better meet energy needs and provide more nutrients. |
Precautions
Potential Allergenicity
Some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain starches, such as wheat or corn starch. Manufacturers should clearly label the presence of specific starches in their products to help consumers make informed choices.
Gluten-free Requirements
Starches derived from gluten-containing grains, such as wheat, may contain traces of gluten, which can be problematic for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Manufacturers must either use gluten-free starches or clearly indicate the gluten content on the product label.
Digestibility and Absorption
Starch is primarily a source of carbohydrates that can add to the calorie content of dietary supplements. The digestibility and absorption of starches may vary depending on factors such as processing methods and the presence of other ingredients. Individuals with specific dietary requirements, such as those following a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, should consider the starch content of supplements.
Alfa Chemistry offers a variety of dietary supplements, including low moisture starches, modified waxy maize starches, native starches and pregelatinized starches. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
