Recently, I was experiencing itchy skin as well as some indigestion and congestion and when I tuned into what’s going on, I got the Psychic message that I was reacting to corn. This surprised me as I have not consumed solid corn or obvious corn products for about 10 years. Then I intuitively felt to look up xylitol, which is hanging on native sweetener and learned that most xylitol on the market is made from corn. After this realization, I started to do research and understand that many corn derivatives were in products I was consuming and using.
This is confusing because in most cases, the word, corn or maize is not used in the name of these products or ingredients. Because our food is so highly processed and corn is readily available and cheaply grown due to subsidization, the use of corn and corn-based products has become extremely common and can be found in surprising ingredients.
Did you know that a lot of the vitamin C on the market is derived from corn? Xanthan gum which is used in baking is also a common corn derivative. Those two were a couple of surprise ingredients that got me to realize I actually was consuming quite a bit of corn without realizing it.
I wrote this blog post to bring awareness to the way in which you might be consuming corn without realizing it. Whether you have an allergy or sensitivity to it like I do or whether you just like to have more understanding about your food and what you’re consuming, I hope you find it helpful.
Even if you’re trying to eat a relatively unprocessed diet, it’s likely that you are actually consuming quite a bit of corn because it is added to many products that are made, and even simple foods due to its addition to products like salt and even baking powder.
These ingredients derived from corn or corn byproducts often go by many names to make it even more confusing. Some of these ingredients like xylitol can be made from something else, but are very commonly made from corn.
Other corn derivatives that surprised me include cellulose, caramel coloring, lactic, and citric acid, magnesium stearate, sodium citrate, white vinegar, and vitamin E. Many supplements and vitamins use corn ingredients as fillers and binders. Additionally, fruit and vegetable wax is commonly corn-derived, and most biodegradable plastic is currently made from corn as well.
Thankfully, I do not have a life-threatening allergy however, my body was not liking how much corn I was taking in even in small doses through these various sources. It was not until I wrote this blog post that I understood just how prevalent the use of corn is and so many aspects of our lives.
The Ubiquity of Corn
At its simplest, corn is a staple in diets worldwide, known for its versatility and nutritional benefits. However, when it's broken down into various derivatives, consumers may be unaware how much corn they are consuming. Many of these corn byproducts are also forms of starch or sugar so without realizing it, many are increasing their sugar or simple carb consumption. Corn-based ingredients appear in a lot of food items, beverages, and even skincare products.
Dextrin and Maltodextrin: The Secret Starches
What Are Dextrin and Maltodextrin?
Both dextrin and maltodextrin are polysaccharides derived from corn starch through enzymatic processing. They are primarily used as thickeners, fillers, or stabilizers in a variety of products. These are common in many types of foods such as sauces, soups, sweets (even those labeled sugar free), baked goods, and beverages.
Dextrin:
- Produced by partially hydrolyzing starches.
- Used primarily in food as a thickener and binding agent.
- Also found in pharmaceuticals as a tablet binder.
Maltodextrin:
- Created by cooking starches and then breaking them down into shorter chains.
- Highly versatile in food production, acting as a thickener, preservative, or to improve texture.
- Common in gluten-free foods, sports drinks, and infant formulas.
Hidden Sources of Dextrin and Maltodextrin
These two ingredients lurk in places you wouldn't instinctively suspect:
1. Processed Foods: Chips, flavored nuts, sauces, gravies, and soups often contain dextrin or maltodextrin to enhance texture or extend shelf life. Even gluten-free products frequently utilize maltodextrin.
2. Beverages: Maltodextrin is a common additive in soft drinks, flavored waters, and energy drinks. Many low-calorie and diet beverages use it to maintain a desirable mouthfeel and adjust sweetness levels.
3. Supplements: Both ingredients are integral to the manufacturing of various dietary supplements, protein powders, and meal replacement shakes.
4. Pharmaceuticals: Dextrin is often present in tablets, acting as a binder or to ensure the proper breakdown of the active ingredient within the body.
Xylitol: The Sweet Yet Subtle Corn Derivative
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol derived from the hydrogenation of xylose, which can be sourced from corn cobs or birch bark. It is known for its sweetening ability with fewer calories than regular sugar. Xylitol is praised for its potential oral health benefits, as it doesn’t contribute to tooth decay.
Hidden Sources of Xylitol
Xylitol is often masked under the guise of healthy alternatives. Here’s where you might find it:
1. Sugar-Free Gum and Candies: Many sugar-free gums, mints, and candies use xylitol as a sweetener, exploiting its low glycemic index.
2. Dental Products: Toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss often contain xylitol to deter cavity formation and support oral health.
3. Baking and Cooking: Some health-conscious recipes, especially those aimed at diabetics or people on ketogenic diets, use xylitol as a sugar alternative.
4. Personal Care Items: Surprisingly, xylitol extends its reach into skincare products and medicinal creams, leveraging its humectant (moisture-retaining) properties.
Breaking Down Labels: What to Look For
If avoiding corn derivatives is a priority for you, making a habit on reading labels is very important. Here are some common signs of corn-based ingredients that often go by different names:
1. Corn Syrup and High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Widely prevalent in sweetened beverages, baked goods, sauces, and cereals.
2. Starch or Modified Starch: Commonly derived from corn unless specified otherwise, used in soups and processed foods.
3. Citric Acid and Ascorbic Acid: Often derived from corn, these acids serve as preservatives and stabilizers in beverages, supplements, and skincare.
4. Erythritol and Sorbitol: Like xylitol, these are sugar alcohols primarily derived from corn, used in diet and sugar-free products.
5. Pharmaceutical Additives: Ingredients like polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and ethylcellulose can be corn-derived, serving as stabilizers and film formers in medications.
Corn in Skincare: A Closer Look
With the rise of conscious consumerism, the beauty industry has been scrutinized for its ingredient transparency. Corn-derived components are commonplace in skincare and cosmetic products:
1. Emulsifiers and Thickeners: Dextrin and maltodextrin are used in lotions, creams, and cosmetics to stabilize formulations and improve consistency.
2. Preservatives: Citric acid and ascorbic acid, as previously mentioned, prevent product spoilage and extend shelf life.
3. Humectants: Xylitol and sorbitol retain moisture, ensuring skin hydration in moisturizers and serums.
4. Exfoliants: Some scrubs utilize corn-derived exfoliants due to their gentle abrasiveness.
Examples of Common Skincare Products Containing Corn
1. Moisturizers and Lotions: With hydrating and stabilizing needs, aforementioned corn derivatives are widely used.
2. Cleansers and Face Washes: Corn-based citric acid balances pH levels and acts as a mild preservative.
3. Makeup Products: Foundations and eyeshadows incorporate starch derivatives for a smooth application and finish.
4. Sunscreens: To maintain the product's stability and ease of application, corn derivatives are included in many SPF products.
Managing Corn Sensitivities and Alternatives
Understanding the omnipresence of corn derivatives is just the first step. If you’re part of the growing population with corn allergies or those seeking cleaner, non-GMO alternatives, here are proactive measures and substitutes to consider:
Food and Beverages
1. Label Vigilance: Always scrutinize ingredient lists for embedded corn derivatives. When in doubt, opt for products clearly labeled as "corn-free."
2. Homemade Options: Unprocessed, whole foods minimize exposure to hidden corn derivatives. Preparing meals from scratch using fresh ingredients is the best way to control your intake.
3. Natural Sweeteners: Consider alternatives like honey, agave nectar, or stevia for sweetening foods and beverages. Ensure they are pure and free from added corn-based substances.
Skincare Solutions
1. Natural and Organic Products: Seek out skincare brands dedicated to using natural, non-GMO, and organic ingredients. Many labels now proudly emphasize what is not included in their formulations, e.g., "free from corn derivatives."
2. DIY Remedies: Create simple skincare treatments at home using fresh, natural ingredients such as avocado, oatmeal, coconut oil, and essential oils. These offer the benefits of pure, unadulterated components.
3. Patch Testing: For sensitive skin, always conduct a patch test with new products, even if they claim to be corn-free. This precaution helps avoid allergic reactions and ensures compatibility with your skin type.
Sourcing Genuine Alternatives
Opting for genuinely corn-free products often involves navigating niche markets, specialty stores, or dedicated online platforms. Engage with communities and forums focused on corn-free living—these can be invaluable resources for recommendations and troubleshooting.
The Road Ahead
The omnipresence of corn in modern consumer goods is intricately tied to industrial food and beauty systems. While comprehensive elimination can be challenging, informed choices are within reach. The agricultural shift towards non-GMO, organic, and allergen-conscious products is growing stronger, paving a path towards more transparent, health-conscious markets.
By learning to decipher products and understand the labels effectively, you retain the ultimate power over what you consume and apply, cultivating a lifestyle aligned with your health values.
By essentially voting with our dollars through shopping, we can support the kinds of products that we want on the market. After this realization, I am buying different products and also creating more on my own. As shoppers are educated on what they are consuming, it is easier for us to change how things are produced.
Remember, every deliberate choice contributes to changing the market narrative—one corn-free product at a time.
In order to create a comprehensive list of corn and corn-based ingredients, here is a list of ingredients that are derived from corn or maybe corn-derived. In some cases, you can find these ingredients from other sources if you specifically search them out. For example, it is possible to find vitamin C that is not derived from corn or xylitol that is not derived from corn. Some of these ingredients can only be made from corn. Here is a link to that list and please do keep in mind that many of these ingredients can go more than one name.
The more awareness we have in our health journey, the better choices we can make for ourselves and the world. And grateful to have a better understanding of the food and products I was using after researching this blog post and hope that helps you on your health and wellness journey.
