It's low, but is it slow?

But does low-GI (glycaemic index) always mean sustained energy, or is this claim actually misleading consumers?

Low-GI soluble fibres are not in fact a major source of energy, offering only half the calories of comparable fully available carbohydrates like sugars.

More importantly, soluble fibres are not a relevant source of glucose: the fuel for our brains and the most important energy source for our muscles. Fructose, meanwhile, might be low-GI, but it does not deliver prolonged energy.

After digestion and absorption fructose is “collected” by the portal vein and is transported to the liver before reaching the bloodstream. Here, it is converted to glucose, glycogen or triglycerides.

Thus, any glucose response in the blood glucose curve stems from the liver’s work. This is a quick process as the blood glucose curve starts immediately after fructose consumption, shows a low rise – as it is only partially transformed into glucose – and touches the zero base line at exactly the same point in time as glucose that comes from table sugar (sucrose).

Isomaltulose is the only low-GI ingredient that provides the full carbohydrate energy and delivers it in the form of glucose for a prolonged period of time in comparison to sucrose, making it the only product that offers a credible basis to formulate drinks with a “sustained energy release” positioning.

''Dr Stephan Hausmanns is head of product management at Palatinit. stephan.hausmanns@palatinit.de Tel: +49 621 421 188''

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