Can anyone please tell me what is Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate?

I was browsing around through low carb foods online and I was looking at the ingredients and first thing I saw was hydrogenated which raises red flags with me... but it didnt say hydrogenated oil... its something else and I am clueless.

any explination would be appreciated.

thanks,

MJ

Another of the MANY terms for sweeteners including SUGAR ALCOHOLS - famous for stalling people's losing. It is made from corn, potato or wheat starch.

Here's a site that tells all. I just searched for the phrase using google.com Advanced Search:

http://www.caloriecontrol.org/hydrosta.html

HSH is a sugar alcohol ... actually a group of sugar alcohols (hydrogenated glucose syrup, maltitol syrup and sorbitol syrup). HSH are produced by the partial hydrolysis of corn, wheat or potato starch and subsequent hydrogenation of the hydrolysate at high temperature under pressure. They are mostly used in sugar-free hard candies because they don't crystalize or turn "gummy" when exposed to humid conditions.

Like maltitol and other polyols, HSH are absorbed and metabolized slower than sugar, and so have less impact on blood glucose and insulin. Nonetheless they do contribute some calories (3 cal per g). And they can cause similar laxative properties as other polyols.

You can read more information at the site linked in tofi's post.


hth,

Doreen

Rats... saw this question and actually KNEW the answer... although not as detailed as either of the above! I discovered it on some wrapper in the store today!