What is maltitol, where to find it and effects on health
Did you know that the maltitol Is a sweetener widely used in the preparation of cakes, candies and candied products? Its use is very useful in both bakeries and confectionery, mainly when make sweets without sugar or prepared for diabetics.
As an additive it is known by the names E 965 i(maltitol) or E 965 ii(maltitol syrup), and is known precisely as the volume or load sweetener, since it has the same volume as sucrose. However, unlike this one, it actually contributes half the calories.
What is maltitol?
The maltitol is a sweetener used as a substitute for sucrose, the traditional common sugar (also commonly known as table sugar, that is, the usual white sugar). It is also called with the name of polyol, since it consists of a sugar alcohol.
That is, we are faced with a sweetener that is synthesized from the hydrogenation of maltose obtained from starch. It is very similar to sucrose, becoming a quality sweetener because it can be used without the need to have to be mixed with others, compared to other sugar alcohols.
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It is part of the family of sweeteners known as sugar alcohols or polyols. Moreover, it is commonly used in the production of sweets and cakes because it does not affect the taste of the products, besides being well tolerated by people with diabetes.
For this reason we find it especially in products originally sweet but sugar-free and specially prepared for diabetics.
Why is it used in sweets without sugar and for diabetics?
It treats of a sweetener that of habitual form can find in sweets and cakes without sugar, and especially, in those elaborated specifically for people with diabetes. Why? Fundamentally because it is a well-tolerated sweetener for diabeticsas it tends to be absorbed slowly, which means that the increase in both blood glucose and insulin levels are significantly reduced compared to another sweetener.
On the other hand, it is a sweetener with a low caloric value; Specifically, it contributes half the calories of ordinary sugar, so that it becomes an interesting option for those who follow a weight loss diet, or obviously for those suffering from diabetes.
The advantages of maltitol
There are a number of benefits and advantages offered by the use of maltitol to sweeten certain products and foods. For example, replacing white sugar with maltitol helps prevent fatty liverwhen it is caused by an excess of sugar. This is what happens with non-alcoholic fatty liver, which is the one that appears without having consumed alcohol.
Further, It is used safely in people with diabetes because its glycemic response is lower, so it tends to raise blood glucose levels more slowly.
On the other hand, by not being metabolized by the bacteria present in our mouth, does not promote the appearance of cavities, can even help reduce your risk.
Where to find it and how?
If you are interested in knowing what foods or foodstuffs may contain maltitol, the truth is that in reality any candy without sugar or any sweet food for diabetics it can contain it. Although it is possible that other sweeteners are used today more known and popular as could be the case of the stevia wave panela, it is quite probable that maltitol will be used for the most part.
But how can we find it in the labeling of these foods? In this case it is possible to find it in many different ways:
- In the form of maltitol or maltitol syrup.
- In the form of an additive. If so, we can find the denomination E 965 i (maltitol), or as E 965 ii (maltitol syrup).
Side effects of maltitol and effects on health
Although in normal doses it does not usually cause problems, in high doses may present a laxative effect. For this reason it is common to find in food labeling if that food product contains maltitol. And in the United States, for example, it should be noted on the label that it is not advisable to consume more than 100 grams per day of maltitol.
However, here are the main side effects of maltitol:
- Diarrhea:Because of its laxative effect, it is a sweetener whose consumption should always be moderate. Therefore, the levels of maltitol with respect to its consumption will depend on the age of the person. Thus, it is not advisable for children to consume more than 15 grams per day, while in adults diarrhea can appear at 50 grams per day (especially in some people).Other sources, such asEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition, point out that diarrhea can appear as a consequence of a daily consumption of between 60 to 90 grams in adults.
- Stomach ache:Regular consumption of foods with maltitol can cause abdominal and stomach pain.
- Gases and flatulence:Once we consume maltitol it is hydrolyzed in glucose and sorbitol. If we take into account that glucose is easily absorbed, but part of the sorbitol is not, it is common that it also causes gas and flatulence.
Therefore, as we see, its consumption should always be moderate, and we should avoid excessive consumption to avoid possible risks and unwanted side effects. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesSweeteners
