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CONFIDENTIAL
Regulatory Affairs &
Nutrition Communication – AJ/Se
28 May 2008
Page 1 of 16
Dossier for the Scientific Substantiation of Claims related to Palatinose
(isomaltulose) and its Nutritional / Physiological Properties
Table of Content
Summary
1. Isomaltulose – What it is!
2. Its Physiology – Digestion, Absorption & Metabolism of Isomaltulose
3. Studies on the Effect of Isomaltulose on Blood Glucose and Insulin Levels and
its Prolonged Energy Supply
4. Discussion: General Characteristics of the Gycemic and Insulinemic Properties
of Isomaltulose as compared to Sucrose
5. Conclusions
Summary
Isomaltulose is a disaccharide and – like sucrose – consists of glucose and fructose. But
unlike sucrose, isomaltulose has low glycemic and low insulinemic properties. It is
characterised by an α-1,6 glucosidic linkage between the glucose and fructose moieties
which is more stable than the α-1,2 glucosidic linkage in sucrose.
Isomaltulose is almost completely hydrolysed in the small intestine into its components
glucose and fructose which are absorbed and metabolised in the same pathway as if
derived from sucrose. Therefore, isomaltulose provides the same amount of calories as
other fully available carbohydrates do (4 kcal/g in food labelling). The difference to sucrose
is that isomaltulose is hydrolysed at a much lower rate which is reflected in its glycemic and
insulinemic properties. The rise in blood glucose concentrations after isomaltulose intake is
slower and remains at a lower level while it lasts for a longer period of time compared to
sucrose. The insulin response corresponds, which results in a lower insulin demand. As no
significant amounts of isomaltulose reach the large intestine, isomaltulose is tolerated as
well as sucrose.
Reflecting these characteristics in digestion and absorption, the uniqueness of isomaltulose
when compared to sucrose and other available carbohydrates (e.g. maltodextrin) becomes
obvious: Isomaltulose provides glucose, the fuel or energy for the body, in a more balanced
and prolonged way.
WHO recommends following a high-carbohydrate-based but low glycemic diet for a healthy
lifestyle. Isomaltulose can contribute significantly to reach such a healthy lifestyle.