Title: Alternative Sweeteners

Isomalt 273
C. Diabetics
A number of scientific studies have shown that insulin and blood glucose levels
in humans increase only slightly after oral intake of isomalt—if at all (14, 15,
20). This means sharp increases in blood glucose, as occur after sucrose intake
(especially when between-meal snacks and sweets are eaten), can be avoided
with isomalt intake. Isomalt is, therefore, a suitable sugar substitute for diabetics.
D. Gastrointestinal Tolerance
Sugar alcohols and some other carbohydrates (e.g., polydextrose, dietary fiber,
lactose) have low digestibility. Consumption of large amounts may result in a
laxative effect. This is due to the slow degradation process in the gastrointestinal
tract. It is not possible to give a useful tolerance limit for sugar alcohols such
as isomalt because this tolerance depends on (21–24):
• The form in which it is ingested. In a liquid food, the intolerance is
higher than in a solid food.
• The individual sensitivity. The tolerance varies from person to person.
• The moment of consumption. Differences in tolerances even exist for
the same person. A person’s tolerance is affected by diet (low or high in
low digestible carbohydrates) and psychological well-being (emotions,
prejudices).
• The adaptation to sugar alcohols. Frequent consumption results in a
higher tolerance.
E. Toxicological Evaluations
Extensive toxicological and metabolic studies have been conducted that prove
conclusively the safety of isomalt (25–28). The results of these studies have been
summarized in a World Health Organization report prepared by the Joint FAO/
WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) (29). This report concludes
by assigning isomalt an ADI ‘‘not specified,’’ the safest rating assigned to any
evaluated food substance.
VI. APPLICATIONS
On the basis of its physical and chemical properties, isomalt is a suitable sugar
replacer in many areas of the food and pharmaceutical industries. Existing processing
equipment can be used for all applications without requiring major
changes. Only formula and process parameter modifications are recommended