Isomaltulose Can Benefit Memory and Mood in Children

26 Oct 2016 --- New research from the Department of Psychology at Swansea University in Wales, has shown that a breakfast prepared with a BENEO’s Palatinose, beneficially influences children’s memory and mood throughout the morning.

The study looked specifically at BENEO’s Palatinose, a disaccharide-type carbohydrate composed of glucose and fructose. Due to its unique linkage, BENEO claims it is fully yet slowly digested and absorbed, providing balanced and sustained energy with a lower blood glucose rise and less insulin release.

The randomized, double blind, crossover study was conducted with 75 school children aged 5 to 11 years. On two occasions, at least one week apart, the children consumed a breakfast including cornflakes, milk, yoghurt, jam and orange juice. It was identical in calorie count, as well as macronutrient composition and was either prepared with BENEO’s Palatinose or glucose, each providing in total 41g of carbohydrates. 

The children’s mood and cognitive performance were then assessed in test blocks, one and three hours after breakfast. 

The results showed that although both groups of children initially did well after breakfast, those eating the Palatinose breakfast maintained significantly better memory performance later in the morning than those consuming the glucose-breakfast, both in immediate and delayed memory tests. 

Additionally, the results showed that the children who had consumed the Palatinose breakfast were in a better mood later in the morning, rating their mood as significantly better, compared to those who had eaten the glucose breakfast.

The researchers claim the results highlight that by starting the day with the right choice of carbohydrates, children can perform well at school. 

Carbohydrates and their glucose supply are known to play an important role in cognitive functions, however the researchers suggest that this study highlights that not only is carbohydrate intake important for brain function, but also the type of carbohydrate chosen can be integral. 

Anke Sentko, Vice President Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition Communication, comments, “The study’s results show that BENEO’s slow release carbohydrate Palatinose can make a difference to cognitive performance and mood in children.”

“We know that children around the age of 4 to 10 years have a much higher rate of brain glucose utilization than adults and seem to be particularly susceptible to the differing effects of glucose release.”

“Accordingly, children’s cognitive functions benefit most from the replacement of fast glucose release carbohydrates with the slow and sustained glucose supply of Palatinose.”

“The study highlights that starting the day with the right choice of carbohydrates can make all the difference to performance.” 

The study’s findings are in line with previous observations from the same researchers that showed the benefits of Palatinose for enhancing mood and memory amongst middle aged and older adults. 

Palatinose’s low glycaemic characteristics have also been acknowledged by EFSA and resulted in an approved EU health claim.