BENEO-Institute Addresses a New Functional Carbohydrate for Healthy and Balanced Nutrition

BENEO will be giving an introduction to isomaltulose a naturally derived and low glycaemic functional carbohydrate. Being derived from sugar beet isomaltulose has distinct physiological properties due to an enzymatic treatment.

12/21/2010 --- Wim Caers, Manager of Regulatory Affairs & Nutrition Communication at BENEO, will be giving an introduction to the next generation carbohydrate isomaltulose (marketed under the name Palatinose) its physiological properties and contribution to a healthy and balanced nutrition within his presentation: “Innovation in carbohydrates: Palatinose- the better energy”. It takes place on 5th January 2011 at the International Conference on Innovations in Food Processing & Ingredients towards Healthy India (IFPIHI) in Mumbai.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) India suffers from a prevalence of diabetes with 31.7 million cases of diabetes, accounting for nearly 19 per cent of all diabetics worldwide. Worse still, studies predict a growth rate by 2.5 until 2030. Therefore, low glycaemic ingredients are regarded as valuable contribution to a healthy nutrition.

Wim Caers will be giving an introduction to isomaltulose a naturally derived and low glycaemic functional carbohydrate. Being derived from sugar beet isomaltulose has distinct physiological properties due to an enzymatic treatment. A recent study by Holub et al published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that isomaltulose is a fully available carbohydrate irrespective if used in food or beverages, but at the same time causes a significantly low blood glucose and insulin response after consumption; a valuable nutritional property, not only for people with diabetes but for the general population. Furthermore, it was shown that the functional carbohydrate is very slowly yet completely digested. Therefore, it can be said that isomaltulose is the first disaccharide carbohydrate which has low glycaemic characteristics and delivers the full carbohydrate energy (4 kcal/g) in a more balanced way over a longer period of time.

Properties that seem to be increasingly important supporting a healthy nutrition having in mind civil diseases such as diabetes but also giving the necessary and more healthy energy supply within a busy everyday life. Being approved in all continents in all major markets as safe food (approved as a nutrient not as a food additive), Wim Caers will also be discussing which effects such a new carbohydrate and its beneficial characteristics may have on the current and future development of food and beverages.

Anke Sentko, Vice President Nutrition Communication and Regulatory Affairs, BENEO says: “We believe that balanced energy supports a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, we are delighted to attend such a recognized conference to introduce the physiological benefits of our next generation carbohydrate to an international and experienced audience.”