Slow Calorie Project: Isomaltulose (Palatinose~®) Can Enhance Physiological Benefits of Sucrose Intake

摘要

Carbohydrate intake-derived obesity, a major risk factor for insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, is gradually emerging in epidemic proportions in Western and Asian societies. In the Japanese market, numerous foods labeled "Zero-Carbohydrate" or "Low-Carbohydrate" have been launched, and some consumers think that the intake of sucrose is the main cause of lifestyle-related diseases. However, in Japan, the number of patients suffering from lifestyle-related diseases continues to rise even though carbohydrate intake has been decreasing annually. We have been studying the physiological effect of carbohydrate intake, with a particular focus on digestion and absorption speed in the small intestine. Isomaltulose (6-O-D-glucopyranosyl-D-fructose, Palatinose~®) is a naturally occurring disaccharide and one of the sweet elements in honey, which has a caloric value of 4 kcal/g, the same as that of sucrose. Isomaltulose is digested slowly, resulting in a slow availability for absorption. Furthermore, it was recently reported that isomaltulose delayed the digestion and absorption of other carbohydrates. Slow digestion and absorption of carbohydrates have many physiological benefits in preventing lifestyle-related diseases, such as the prevention of visceral fat accumulation, improvement of insulin sensitivity and sustaining a sense of satiety. These physiological benefits can be obtained by taking isomaltulose and sucrose, simultaneously. We are conducting research referred to as the "Slow Calorie Project". In order to promote sucrose consumption, we maintain that this "Slow" carbohydrate is healthier than "Low" carbohydrate. We will report on the background and the main research data of the "Slow Calorie Project" in addition to the situation regarding public relations in Japan and Korea.