α-dextrin

Definition

α-Dextrin is a type of carbohydrate resulting from the breakdown of starch by enzymes during digestion. It consists of a few glucose units linked together in a way that makes them ready for further breakdown and absorption by the body.

Related terms

Starch:

A type of carbohydrate found in foods, made up of many glucose units connected together.

Enzymes:

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body, including the digestion of food.

Glucose:

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates