Admittedly, I had been drinking Spark (an Advocare product) once a day...until I read a post on here that claimed that maltodextrin causes insulin "dumps". I have never heard that before reading that post and I read some "research" online about it, but am kind of more confused than before.

Does anyone know the "truth" about maltodextrin and insulin? Maltodextrin is used in so many "diet" products and Spark wasn't breaking any IP rules that I knew of...until this.

Any advice?

I hope someone can find the post that gets into all of the "sugar substitutes" and the different glycemic responses each can induce. But the bottom line is that not all sugar substitutes are created equal. Maltodextrin IS one you should avoid on IP. Just because they use it in a "diet" product doesn't necessarily mean it's good for ALL diet plans.

Thank you for responding, Scorbett.
Yes--some articles I read claimed that maltodextrin was higher on the GI scale than bread?!!? Then others claimed it would aid weight loss?!?! Confusing.

I am so bummed--I LOVE Spark.

The only other thing is that Spark is a caffeine drink - and just like with coffee, it is a diuretic and if you have more than 8oz of any caffeinated beverage you have to drink an equal amount of extra water so that you do not dehydrate.

I will see if I can find the post, but yes some sweeteners and sugar alcohols have a higher GI index than other foods you would expect to cause an insulin spike.

I read that there is maltodextrin in powdered Splenda, but not in the liquid form (such as straight Torani sugar-free syrup.)

That's true - I believe that is what is used as a "binder" to make it powdered.

I've never heard of that! I will have to take a look. THANKS!

Once again, it amazes me how many "sneaky" things are in foods/drinks that can make us fat and unhealthy! Thanks, again, for the info.

Sugars and sugar substitutes, natural ones included are very complex and register different in our brains, some register sweeter, some are higher on the GI index, but one thing for sure our satiety site is programmed for good old fashioned glucose and on a very small level fructose from only fresh fruits and veggies, bottom line every thing else is poison, will it kill you, probably not, but it has made us obese! Best bet, after IP eat non-processed foods whenever possible and make your own ketchup without sugar etc. Many good (long) info on utube for sure.

What should I be using to sweeten my coffee? Right now I am using 1 Splenda packet.

Hmmm, I was told I could use Splenda, but then again my coach wasn't the best and I dumped him.

You can use liquid Splenda, Stevia or any of the Davinci or Torani sugar free flavored syrups to sweeten coffee. I actually use 2 oz of the vanilla protein shake as my "creamer" and a dash of DaVinci SF caramel syrup. Yum.

Shoot finally I am adjusting to the taste of sweetner and went and bought a box of powdered Splenda. Will have to get something else now. Thanks for this thread, I will check better for maltodexterin.

OK, really glad I saw this post today. I have been using one Splenda packet in my decaf for the past couple of days as I thought it was safe. I'll just stop doing that.

Calories dictate fat loss or gain not insulin.

maltodextrin is a starch, but usually used in small quantities

A packet of Splenda isn't going to affect anyone's fat loss