Do 10 calories from polydextrose break a fast? Learn how plant-based fiber in electrolytes impacts fasting, autophagy, and ketosis.
Introduction
Fasting is one of the most powerful tools for health, weight loss, and longevity. But if you’re fasting, every detail matters — even the small number of calories printed on a label. That’s why one of the most common questions we hear is:
👉 “Do 10 calories break a fast?”
At Autophagy Nutrition, our Lychee Hydration electrolyte formula contains zero sugar, but it does list 10 calories per serving. Those calories come from a plant-based fiber called polydextrose.
In this article, we’ll explain what polydextrose is, whether it breaks a fast, and why we include it in our formula.
What Does It Mean to “Break a Fast”?
Not all fasts are the same. Here’s how 10 calories may (or may not) matter depending on your fasting goals:
The goal is avoiding sugar, carbs, and insulin spikes. Small amounts of fiber (like polydextrose) generally don’t interfere.
This is more sensitive. Even trace nutrients can signal the body to slow down autophagy. Purists often avoid all calories, but in practice, 10 calories of fiber is unlikely to have the same impact as protein or carbs.
Any fiber can lightly stimulate gut activity. Polydextrose is very mild compared to food, but strict gut-rest fasts may avoid it.
What Is Polydextrose?
Made from glucose (corn starch) with a touch of citric acid (the same acid found in lemons).
A soluble fiber, not a sugar.
Only 1 calorie per gram (vs. 4 calories for carbs).
Most isn’t digested. Instead, it reaches the colon, where gut bacteria ferment it into beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
Minimal effect on blood sugar or insulin. Recognized as safe by the FDA and used worldwide for decades.
👉 Think of polydextrose as a plant-based fiber that improves texture and mixability, not a “chemical” or artificial sweetener.
Does Polydextrose Break a Fast?
The honest answer is: it depends on how you define fasting.
Yes. Any calories, even from fiber, technically end the fast.
No. Polydextrose doesn’t spike blood sugar or insulin, so it won’t interfere with fat-burning or ketosis.
Minimal impact. While technically not zero, 10 calories of fiber are unlikely to meaningfully disrupt the cellular cleanup process.
Bottom line: For most fasting and keto lifestyles, polydextrose is considered fasting-friendly.
Why We Include Polydextrose in Lychee Hydration
dissolve smoothly in water.
balanced mouthfeel (so you’re not just drinking salty minerals).
10 calories per serving — negligible compared to food.
zero sugar, keto-approved, and fasting-supportive.
At Autophagy Nutrition, we believe in transparency: rather than hiding behind “zero-calorie” claims, we openly show you the full label.
FAQ: Polydextrose & Fasting
Q: Will 10 calories stop fat burning or ketosis?
A: No. Polydextrose has little to no impact on blood sugar or insulin.
Q: Will polydextrose upset my stomach?
A: At our serving size, no. Only very large doses (25+ grams) may cause bloating.
Q: Why not just make it zero calories?
A: Without polydextrose, electrolytes taste harsh and don’t dissolve as well. We chose a plant-based fiber to keep the formula functional, clean, and fasting-friendly.
Conclusion
If your definition of fasting is strictly zero-calorie water only, then yes — 10 calories from polydextrose technically break that kind of fast.
But for most people practicing intermittent fasting, keto, or longevity-focused fasting, those 10 calories have no meaningful effect on blood sugar, ketosis, or fat burning.
That’s why Lychee Hydration by Autophagy Nutrition is:
Hydration shouldn’t knock you off track. With our clean, plant-based formula, you can stay balanced, energized, and aligned with your fasting goals.
