Polydextrose (E 1200)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Polydextrose (E 1200) is a bulking agent and soluble fiber used in reduced-sugar foods.

What the evidence review says

Polydextrose is a bulking agent and soluble fiber used in reduced-sugar foods. Large amounts are linked with gas, bloating and a laxative effect, and US labels must warn when a serving contains a lot. EFSA found no safety concern at reported uses but recommended tighter limits on metal impurities.

Large amounts cause gas, bloating, and a laxative effect. U.S. labels must warn if a single serving would be expected to exceed 15 g. EFSA in 2021 kept a 'no numerical ADI' conclusion and found no safety concern at reported food uses, while noting a mean laxative threshold around 90 g per person per day or 50 g as a single dose. EFSA also found that worst-case exposure at the maximum allowed lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in the EU specification could be uncomfortably close to health-based guidance, and recommended tighter contaminant limits. That is a specification issue, not a finding that typical food use causes poisoning. Dog kidney calcification at high doses was judged secondary to diarrhea and not relevant to people.

• Source: EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), EFSA J, 2021 · doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6363
• Source: Burdock GA et al., Food Chem Toxicol, 1999 · doi:10.1016/s0278-6915(98)00113-6

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.