Polydextrose

It may have a smaller effect on blood sugar than regular digestible carbs. In one human study, 12 g polydextrose taken with 50 g glucose gave a glycemic index of 89 (vs 100 for 50 g glucose alone), which suggests a lower glucose response than the glucose control, but not a dramatic drop.

It can be helpful for some people, mainly as a fiber like ingredient, but the benefit depends on dose and tolerance. Human studies have reported improved bowel function and changes in gut microbiota markers with polydextrose, and one review summarizes human interventions such as 8 g/day for 3 weeks and 21 g/day for 21 days showing microbiome related changes.

Current evidence does not clearly show that polydextrose causes inflammation in humans, and some studies actually examine possible anti-inflammatory effects instead. For example, a rat colitis model in a review reported reductions in colonic damage (57%) and myeloperoxidase activity (58%) with polydextrose, however, such benefits may not translate directly to humans.

Polydextrose is a non digestible carbohydrate (fiber like ingredient), so it tends to have a smaller blood sugar effect than regular sugars or starches. ADA guidance also notes that higher fiber intake can help with blood glucose management, but the full meal still matters (for example, a food can contain polydextrose and still be high in sugar).