Information on Isomalt

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isomalt

Isomalt is a sugar substitute, a type of

sugar alcohol

, which is primarily used for its sugar-like physical properties. It has

only a small

impact on blood sugar levels and does not promote tooth decay. It has 2

kcal/g, half

the calories of sugars.

[1]

However, like most sugar alcohols, it carries a very real risk of gastric

distress,

including

flatulence

and

diarrhea

, when consumed in large quantities. And due to its laxative properties

Isomalt is

advised to not be consumed in quantities larger than about 50g per day for

adults

and 25g for children. The reason that isomalt may prove upsetting to the

stomach

is because the body recognizes it as a dietary fiber instead of as a simple

carbohydrate.

Therefore, like most fibers, it can increase bowel movements and it passes

through

the bowel in virtually undigested form. Like other dietary fibers, regular

consumption

of isomalt might eventually lead one to become desensitized to it,

decreasing the

risk of stomach upset. Isomalt is typically blended with a

high intensity sweetener

such as

sucralose

, so that the mixture has approximately the sweetness of sugar.

Isomalt is a

disaccharide

composed of the two sugars

glucose

and

mannitol

.. It is an odourless, white, crystalline substance containing about 5% water

of crystallisation.

Isomalt has a minimal cooling effect (positive

heat of solution

[2]

), lower than many other sugar alcohols, particularly

xylitol

and

erythritol

.. Isomalt is unusual as it is a natural sugar alcohol that is produced from

beets.

An interesting use of isomalt is found in the product DiabetiSweet, a sugar

substitute

sold for baking use and composed of a blend of isomalt and

acesulfame potassium

, but it has a bitter taste (due to the acesulfame potassium) and lacks the

caramelizing

properties of sugar.

Isomalt is manufactured in a two-stage process in which sugar is first

transformed

into isomaltulose, a reducing disaccharide (6-O-á-

D-glucopyranosido-D

-fructose). The isomaltulose is then hydrogenated, using a Raney metal

catalytic

converter. The final product-isomalt-is an equimolar composition of 6-O-á-

D-glucopyranosido-D

-sorbitol (1,6-GPS) and 1-O-á-

D-glucopyranosido-D

-mannitol-dihydrate (1,1-GPM-dihydrate).

Isomalt has been approved for use in the United States since 1990. It is

also permitted

for use in Australia and New Zealand and Holland. (note: List of countries

is not

exhaustive).

Isomalt can be used in

sugar sculpture

and is preferred by some because it will not crystalize as quickly as

sugar