A senior orthopaedic and sports surgeon from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital has sparked widespread discussion after issuing a strong public advisory on the health risks of industrial starch commonly found in packaged foods. Dr Obaidur Rahman described the ingredient — also known as micro dextrin or corn starch — as a hidden contributor to metabolic disorders increasingly affecting young Indians.

Doctor calls industrial starch a “silent culprit”

In a video message uploaded on Instagram, Dr Rahman challenged widely held beliefs about unhealthy carbohydrates. Contrary to popular concerns around sugar, bread or rice, he said industrial starch can cause sharp spikes in blood glucose levels.

“It can raise your blood sugar to 200 to 250 milligrams per decilitre in just a few hours,” he explained. Repeated spikes of this intensity, he added, may increase the risk of insulin resistance, a major precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Dr Rahman emphasised that the concern is not with naturally occurring starches in foods such as rice, potatoes or grains, but with industrial-grade starch used as a filler in processed products.

Links to fatty liver and rising inflammation

In the same video report, Dr Rahman highlighted that industrial starch contributes to fat accumulation in the liver, potentially worsening or triggering non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

“It is a substance that deposits fat in your liver and also promotes fatty liver,” he said.

He also addressed its impact on inflammation: “It causes inflammation in your joints,” he warned, describing industrial starch as offering no nutritional or physiological benefit. Its use, he said, is largely due to its affordability and ease of mixing into food products.

Where industrial starch hides in daily diets

Industrial starch is widely used to improve texture and bulk in processed foods. It is commonly found in:

  • Packaged soups and sauces
  • Chips and fried snacks
  • Bakery products
  • Instant mixes
  • Processed gravies and ready-to-eat meals

Because these ingredients are not consumed intentionally but absorbed through convenience-driven eating habits, Dr Rahman urged citizens to become more conscious of reading ingredient labels.

A specialist known for lifestyle awareness

Dr Obaidur Rahman, who holds qualifications including MBBS, MS Ortho, DNB Ortho and MNAMS, is known for his work in bone and joint care as well as sports injury management. He frequently uses digital platforms to educate the public about lifestyle-related disorders and early warning signs.

His latest caution aims to highlight the role of overlooked food additives in India’s rising metabolic health burden, especially among young adults with active lifestyles.

Hidden additives in packaged foods raise broader concerns

Nutrition researchers say industrial starch is part of a wider group of ultra-processed carbohydrate additives found in modern packaged foods. These include:

  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Maltodextrin
  • Glucose syrup
  • Modified starches
  • Synthetic fibres

Such additives are rapidly absorbed, can disrupt gut balance, and may contribute to inflammation, metabolic syndrome and weight gain when consumed frequently.

Health experts recommend choosing minimally processed foods, checking ingredient lists and prioritising home-cooked meals to reduce exposure to hidden carbohydrates