New study suggests Beneo’s Palatinose (isomaltulose) stimulates GLP-1 release in overweight adults

05 Jun 2024 --- The new study reveals that the consumption of Beneo’s Palatinose “smart carbohydrate” (isomaltulose) stimulates the release of beneficial gut hormones, including GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1), in overweight adults. This results in positive health outcomes, including body weight, blood glucose and cardiovascular function.

“Glucose derived from the breakdown of dietary carbohydrates increases the release of GLP-1 if it reaches the so-called L-cells primarily located in the lower parts of the small intestine,” Dr. Stephan Theis, head of nutrition science at Beneo, tells Nutrition Insight.

“Palatinose is a slow-release sugar made from sucrose, which is naturally sourced from sugar beet. Digestion and subsequent absorption occur along the entire small intestine, leading to a slower and sustained release of glucose compared to sucrose or other rapidly digestible carbohydrates,” he details.

“Therefore, Palatinose reaches the lower parts of the small intestine where it stimulates the release of GLP-1.” 

GLP-1 release
The study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research aimed to test the effects of a slowly digested isomaltulose when compared to the rapidly digested saccharose, and metabolic responses in participants with or without type 2 diabetes.

The 15 healthy adult volunteers and 15 patients with type 2 diabetes consumed either 50 gr isomaltulose or saccharose as a snack one hour before a mixed meal test on nonconsecutive days. The standardized mixed meal test analyzed GLP-1, peptide YY and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide levels.

Glucose from dietary carbohydrates increases the release of GLP-1 if it reaches the lower parts of the small intestine.“Palatinose is more slowly digested and therefore leads to a more sustained and overall higher release of GLP-1 than sucrose or other high glycaemic carbohydrates. This was consistently observed in nine human studies,” explains Theis.

Palatinose was shown to reach the lower parts of the small intestine, which is significant for GLP-1 release. “The so-called L-cells which release GLP-1 are primarily located in the lower parts of the small intestine. Glucose derived from the breakdown of dietary carbohydrates increases the release of GLP-1.” 

Slow release
Another aspect of the study Theis highlights is that the GLP-1 peak level following lunch meal consumption was about two times higher when “Palatinose was consumed as a pre-lunch drink compared to sucrose and importantly GLP-1 remained significantly higher for the full six-hour postprandial period examined.”

“The slow-release characteristic makes Palatinose unique when compared to more rapidly digested carbohydrates, such as sucrose and other high-glycaemic carbohydrates. The slow, low and sustained glucose release with Palatinose results in a more sustained and overall higher GLP-1 secretion.” 

The slow-release property of Palatinose contributes to its overall benefits for metabolic health, the expert argues. 

“Slow release means a slow and sustained supply of glucose, which is reflected in a slower and overall lower increase in blood glucose concentration over a longer period of time. As a consequence, less insulin is required after the intake of Palatinose.”

The health benefits he says are associated with Palatinose’s metabolic profile include: balanced incretin response; slow, low and sustained blood glucose response; lower insulin response that promotes fat burning; and long-term benefits of improved metabolic health, including cardiovascular health.

Manufacturing potential
Palatinose can be incorporated into everyday products and specific meal plans to maximize its health benefits.

“Beneo’s Palatinose is unique in its ability to deliver a lower rise in blood glucose while delivering full carbohydrate energy of four kcal per gr. It can be used in various applications as it is soluble, shallow hygroscopic and comes with a mild sugar-like sweetening profile.”

Palatinose can be incorporated into everyday products at breakfast, lunch and snacks, as well as clinical nutrition and meal-replacement application.“The opportunities for manufacturers are great, as products that provide carbohydrate energy in a slow and balanced way with proven metabolic benefits are needed for every eating occasion — be that breakfast, lunch or snacks in-between, as well as clinical nutrition and meal-replacement applications.”

He adds that a 2022 citizen science study demonstrated that the combination of Beneo’s slow-release carbohydrate Palatinose and Orafti Synergy, made up of inulin and oligofructose, independently of each other, supports blood glucose management for improved metabolic health. 

 Future research
The findings of this recently published study add to the already existing and consistent scientific evidence on Palatinose, Theis points out. 

“Demonstrating its ability to support metabolic health in daily life situations, including longer-term benefits for blood glucose, cardiovascular health and weight management,” he asserts.

“Future research might explore the effects beyond, such as combining Palatinose with other functional carbohydrates and fiber — ingredients in Beneo’s portfolio of health-promoting ingredients,” he concludes.

By Milana Nikolova