Beneo-funded study finds isomaltulose enhances the natural secretion of GLP-1 hormones

A recent study led by Prof. Andreas Pfeiffer, endocrinology department, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany, found the carbohydrate isomaltulose (ISO) can stimulate the release of beneficial gut hormones, including GLP-1, in overweight adults, even when consumed before a meal. This stimulation of gut hormones has positive effects on metabolic parameters related to healthy body weight, blood glucose control, and cardiovascular health.

The Beneo-funded study compared the effects of Palatinose to sucrose on the release of gut hormones. It involved 30 overweight or obese volunteers, aged between 49 and 77, half of whom had Type 2 diabetes. The participants’ blood glucose, insulin, and incretins, including GLP-1, were monitored over a nine-hour period.

During the study, participants consumed either a drink containing 50g of ISO or 50g of sucrose after the first three hours of measurement, followed by lunch one hour later. Results showed that those who consumed ISO had higher GLP-1 levels compared to those who ingested sucrose.

“The findings add to the scientific evidence on isomaltulose’s ability to support metabolic health in daily life situations, including a higher secretion of the beneficial gut hormone GLP-1,” Dr Stephan Theis, head of nutrition science at Beneo said.

Beneo offers an isomaltulose called Palatinose.