In the 21st century - the century of high technology, strict standards of beauty, but at the same time serious diseases - such an invention as a sweetener is in great demand. Due to the widespread prevalence of the product, its end user is concerned about the benefits and harms of Maltitol, a popular sugar substitute.

What it is

Maltitol (Maltitol) is a dietary supplement of natural origin. The final product is obtained by heating and subsequent caramelization of its semi-finished product (intermediate product) - maltitol syrup. The semi-finished product consists of 80% of maltitol, and it also includes additional substances (mainly sorbitol). Syrup is obtained using simple chemical reactions - hydrolysis of raw materials (starch obtained from corn or potatoes) and saturation with hydrogen.

Maltitol is less sweet than regular sugar, however, it belongs to caloric sweeteners, although it is half as high in calories (2.1 kcal per 1 gram), it is easily soluble in water, however, there is a slight change in taste when exposed to high temperatures, dissolution in alcohol solutions is difficult.

The substance is widely used in the confectionery industry for the manufacture of low-carb sweets, biscuits, chocolate products, ice cream, and is also used in its pure form instead of sugar. Available in the form of a powder of white or slightly yellowish color, or syrup. It is an approved product in all countries.

In addition, the e965 is actively used in pharmacology in the manufacture of syrups and suspensions for children (for example, Nurofen or Sab-Simplex).

Use for diabetes

Maltitol e965 (the code in the list of food additives) has properties that can be used for any type of diabetes. Glycemic and insulin indices, calorie content, absorption rate - all these indicators have values \u200b\u200bwithin the norm for diabetics.

The glycemic index of the drug varies within 30, which is almost half that of sugar. For diabetics, it’s important that the substance is absorbed into the blood gradually, and not at the same time, so they don’t have to worry about sudden jumps in blood sugar.

The insulin index of the supplement is high enough and equal to 25, which is also a positive feature for diabetics, however, it is advisable for patients with hyperinsulinemia to avoid the use of this product.

In addition, Maltitol is recommended for overweight people or those who seek to restore or maintain their shape. The substance is not recognized by the body as a fast carbohydrate, therefore, its digestion is not accompanied by fat deposits in the liver and muscles. Nutritionists offer the drug to those who want to get rid of sugar addiction, but do not want to completely deprive themselves of sweets.

Harm and Benefit

The benefits of Maltitol include the following properties:

• lack of influence on the level of glucose in the blood;
• suitable for people with overweight and metabolic disorders (due to the low calorie content compared to regular sugar, its use will have less effect on the figure and extra pounds);
• the absence of harmful effects on tooth enamel (due to the lack of reaction to the activity of bacteria, the drug is not the cause of caries).

Side effects of the use of the sweetener have not been identified, however, this is relevant when observing the daily intake rate of 90 grams.

Exceeding the daily dosage threatens with disorders in the digestive system:

• increased gas formation;
• bloating;
• diarrhea.

It is important to remember that the response of the body to the intake of specific substances is purely individual, as a result of which excessive consumption of the product can provoke disruptions during carbohydrate metabolism.

In addition, the abuse of sweeteners is fraught with a significant increase in insulin levels, so those people who need to control insulin levels within certain limits should better not exceed the dose of Maltitol.Also, the daily dose of Maltitol consumed by diabetics should be individually agreed with the endocrinologist.

Analogs

There are not many identical Maltitol products on the market. The following substances are known whose properties are identical to Maltitol:

Sucralose. It is synthesized from regular sugar, characterized by low calorie content, which is why it is more preferable for overweight people. Use is allowed during pregnancy and lactation. The substance was developed in the 90s of the last century in Canada and during the application by the end user, as well as during clinical trials, no pathological side effects and contraindications were detected.

Cyclamate. The sweetener e952 is ten times sweeter than Maltitol, but its negative properties have led to a ban on the use of the substance in the United States and the European Union. In the body, it is transformed into the toxic substance cyclohexylamine.

Knowing what Maltitol is a sweetener, you can make an informed and informed decision about its use. For a long time using the substance, there were no strict contraindications, which indicates the predominance of its benefits over harm, and also that the negative consequences of its use arise mainly due to improper use.

Today, one of the most popular sweeteners is maltitol, the harm and benefits of which concern many. It is this sugar substitute that is increasingly being added to many sweets for diabetics.

Diabetes Maltitol

This sweetener is made from starch, a substance found in corn or sugar. It has a sweet taste, which is 90% reminiscent of sucrose sweetness.

The sugar substitute (E95) does not have a characteristic odor; it looks like a white powder. Once in the human body, the sweetener is divided into sorbitol and glucose molecules. Maltitol is highly soluble in liquid, but it is not easy to dissolve in alcohol. This sweet food supplement is highly hydrolyzed.

The glycemic index of maltitol is 26, i.e. it is half that of ordinary sugar. Therefore, nutritionists and doctors recommend eating this sweetener for people with diabetes.

Maltitol syrup does not affect the level of glucose in the blood, due to this quality it is added to various sweets (chocolate bars), making them more affordable for diabetics. However, the benefit of this sweetener lies in the fact that it has a lower calorie content compared to other types of sugar.

Note! One gram of maltitol contains 2.1 kcal, so it is much healthier than sugar and other additives.

Due to the minimal calorie content, nutritionists advise including maltitol syrup on the menu while following different diets. Also, the benefit of maltitol is that it does not adversely affect dental health, therefore it is used to prevent caries.

Maltitol syrup is often added today in the manufacture of such sweets as:

• jam;
• candies;
• cakes
• chocolate;
• sweet pastries;
• chewing gum.

How harmful is maltitol?

Maltitol can also be harmful to human health. And despite the fact that this sugar substitute is allowed in different countries of the world, it is not worth consuming this food supplement too often.

Maltitol can be harmful only if the permissible norm is exceeded. A day you can eat no more than 90 g of maltitol. Otherwise, maltitol syrup can be harmful to health and cause flatulence and diarrhea.

Note! Maltitol has a laxative effect, therefore, in Norway and Australia on the packaging with products containing this food supplement, there is a warning inscription.

Analogs of maltitol

Sucralose is made from simple but processed sugar. This process allows you to reduce the caloric content of the supplement and reduce the ability of its influence on the concentration of glucose in the blood. At the same time, the traditional taste of ordinary sugar is preserved.

Note! Sucralose does not harm health, therefore it is recommended for children, pregnant women, overweight people and diabetics.

However, the sweetener was developed not so long ago, so its full effect on the human body has not yet been studied. Although sucralose has been popular in Canada since the 90s and for such a period of time its negative properties have not been identified.

Moreover, the doses that were used by scientists in the process of conducting experiments on animals were similar to the amount of sweetener consumed by humans for 13 years.

Cyclamate
  Maltitol, in comparison with cyclamate, is a very useful sugar substitute, despite the fact that the latter is 40 times sweeter than maltitol and several decades older.

Or E952 is very beneficial to use in the production of desserts and juices, due to the fact that it can be stored for a long time and subjected to heat treatment. But this sweetener is banned in the US and the EU, as getting into the body, it turns into a harmful substance cyclohexylamine.

The properties of this supplement have not yet been studied, therefore, in order not to harm the body, you should take no more than 21 tablets. By the way, in one combination tablet contains 4 g of saccharin and 40 mg of cyclamate.

General characteristics and receipt

E965 is a member of the anti-flaming group. The additive is able to increase the surface tension of water and act like a film that does not allow air bubbles to penetrate inside. This prevents the formation of foam, for example, when kneading dough. Like other antiflamings, E965 has different properties. It acts as an emulsifier for sauces and dishes based on fat, egg, milk, stabilizes the texture of jelly products and fruit desserts.

To obtain maltitol syrup, starch saccharification products are taken. The raw materials are hydrolyzed and a powder with white crystals is obtained - maltitol or a viscous transparent liquid - syrup. The powder is 20% less sweet than sugar, and syrup 40% less. The additive does not smell and has a sweetish taste, it is well soluble in water, not hygroscopic and almost does not crystallize.

  Appointment

The main purpose of the supplement is to be a sweetener. In the body, E965 is absorbed gradually, with a slow release of glucose. It is less sweet and high in calories than sucrose. Therefore, it is added to dietary supplements, pastries and confectionery without sugar or with a reduced calorie content.

The properties of the stabilizer and emulsifier make E965 an important component of dairy, egg, fat desserts, fruit and jelly products, sauces. The substance crystallizes weakly, so it is added to confectionery glazes, fruit jams and jams. Thanks to E965, jelly products are transparent, stable and with a persistent tasty smell.

  Impact on the human body: benefits and harms

Useful and negative properties of E965 are due to the fact that the substance is based on maltose - malt sugar.

The supplement has little effect on increasing blood sugar and can be used by diabetics and people with obesity. Unlike other sweeteners, E965 does not react with tooth enamel and does not provoke tooth decay.

Exceeding the allowable daily allowance can cause flatulence and cause diarrhea. Some people have a deficiency in the body of enzymes that break down maltose. In this case, products with E965 are poorly absorbed and cause intestinal upsets.

  Use and application

The sweet taste of the supplement, combined with low calorie content, has led to its widespread use in the manufacture of dietary products, where there are few calories and sugar is minimized or eliminated. These are cereal desserts and breakfast cereals, whipped products based on milk and eggs, pastries and pastries, caramel sweets and chocolate.

As an emulsifier, E965 is added to sauces, mustard, ice cream. As a stabilizer, the additive is widely used in fruit-based products - marmalades, jams, fruit jellies. Without E965, the preparation of confectionery glaze is not complete - solid, but not crystallizing. It is covered with fruits and dried fruits, caramel dragees.

E965 is introduced into the composition of bioactive additives intended for body weight correction, and in specialized products for diabetics.

The daily intake of E965 with products should not exceed 90 g (table. 1).

Table 1. The norm of the content of the food additive E965 maltitol in products according to SanPiN 2.3.2.1293-03 of 05.26.2008

  Legislation

Additive E965 is approved for use in most countries of the world. In the USA, Norway, Australia, the law requires not only the amount of E965 contained on the product labels, but also a warning about the possible laxative effect of the substance. In EU countries, the additive is used only for products, but is not used for sweetening drinks.

Russian legislation regulates the use of E965 in food products based on SanPiN 2.3.2.1293-03 dated 05/26/2008:

• section 3.6.29. Hygienic regulations for the use of consistency stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, texturizers and binders;
• section 3.15.3. Hygienic regulations for the use of sweeteners;
• paragraph 3.16.31. Hygienic regulations for the use of fillers and solvents;
• paragraph 2.14. Appendix 2, Food Supplements for Retail;
• the use of E965 is provided by GOST R 53903-2010. “Food additives. Food Sweeteners. Terms and Definitions".

About the properties of E965 as a sweetener, its preparation and use, see the video below.

Maltitol is produced in several forms: it is found both in the form of syrup and in the form of powder. Maltitol HFG® (maltitol) is a natural highly refined sugar alcohol (polyol). Maltitol is found naturally in various fruits and vegetables.

Maltitol or maltitol is a sweetener under the code number e965, we find out what its benefits and harms in diabetes, as well as its calorie content and glycemic index. The indisputable advantage of maltitol is the ability to use it in cooking, since this sweetener does not lose its properties when heated and is recognized as heat-resistant.

This is especially valuable for the manufacture of dragees and lollipops for diet with the addition of maltitol. In syrup, GI ranges from 50 to 56 units. Various dragees and lozenges, for example sugar-free strepsils, also contain maltitol or another sweetener. Maltitol has a pleasant sweet taste, like sugar, and in intensity is approximately 90% of its sweetness.

Thanks to maltitol, they now have the opportunity to eat almost any sweets, including chocolate. In addition, maltitol, unlike sugar, does not contribute to the development of caries.

Maltitol in Sugar-Free Medicines

Maltitol or food supplement E965, from the point of view of chemistry, belongs to the group of polyhydric alcohols and has another name - maltitol. Next, the resulting mixture is saturated with hydrogen to obtain a maltitol syrup, from which the final product, maltitol, is isolated. Maltitol does not show a strong cooling effect when dissolved in water ("chill on the tongue"), which is characteristic of other sweeteners.

Maltitol, due to its similarity to sucrose, can be used in syrups, as well as a plasticizer in gelatin capsules, and as an emollient and moisturizer. Maltitol is a low-calorie supplement that has virtually no effect on blood sugar, and is therefore used by diabetics. These characteristics, in turn, determine that the technological characteristics of baking and the “stickiness” of biscuit products in Malta are similar to traditional flour products on sugar.

See what “maltitol" is in other dictionaries:

Maltitol has a pleasant sweet taste in intensity almost equal (90%) to regular sugar. Maltitol is not prone to clumping during storage. Due to the high sweetness of maltitol, it is usually used without the addition of other sweeteners in the production of sugarless sweets - sweets, chewing gum, chocolate, pastries and ice cream. Application: In the food industry, maltitol is used as a sweetener for desserts and similar products.

To always keep blood sugar and sweet desserts under control and not spoil our health and figure, nutritionists and chemists have come up with a lot of sugar substitutes for us. Its production was started in the 60s by a Japanese company. In addition, he, like sugar, is able to caramelize. But to know for sure whether it is worth trying to use this sweetener in your daily diet, we will find out how harmful maltitol is.

Maltitol: glycemic and insulin index

The glycemic index (GI) of maltitol is also quite large and depends on the form of release. In any case, it is less than sugar, but higher than fructose. Insulin is also produced, the insulin index is 25. Therefore, you need to think many times before eating foods with maltitol.

And it can be sorbitol or xylitol or some of the synthetic sweeteners. For example, in the United States, some European countries, and Australia, a warning about the laxative properties of maltitol is mandatory. I want to draw your attention to the active use of maltitol syrup in the pharmaceutical industry. All medicines, whether liquid, in tablets or dragees, on the packaging of which is written “WITHOUT sugar”, actually contain sodium saccharin and / or maltitol syrup and / or isomalt.

We must always take care of our health - remember this and be healthy! Like other polyols, it does not get brown and does not caramelize like sugar. Currently, it is produced by powerful companies Cerestar, Roquette, SPIPolyolsInc. Maltitol is slowly absorbed in the intestine, therefore, the rise in glucose and insulin in the blood is more reduced in comparison with the intake of sucrose.

Maltitol is a safe product for health and is approved by all regulatory authorities in the USA and Europe without restrictions. Maltitol (food supplement E965) is a sugar substitute made from potato or corn starch. It provides products with a sweet taste, while possessing less calories than glucose and fructose.

Due to slow absorption, excessive intake of foods supplemented with E965 can have a laxative effect and lead to bloating. Since maltitol is very similar to sugar, food manufacturers have recently used it in large quantities. In this regard, maltitol can enter the body of consumers in large doses and lead to problems with the stomach.

Maltitol (food supplement E965) - use in food

Food supplement E965 is used to make dragees, because having a low calorie content, but high sweetness, it also provides a hard coating similar to sucrose. The properties of maltitol are very similar to sucrose. The sweetness of maltitol is about 80% of the sweetness of regular sugar.

Upon contact with the tongue, this sweetener cools very slightly, in which it also resembles sucrose. The main role that maltitol plays in the food industry is sugar substitute.

In the pharmaceutical industry, this substance is used in excipients as a low-calorie sweetener. Maltitol is absorbed by the body more slowly than sucrose and, therefore, is more suitable for people with diabetes. This sweetener does not contribute to the multiplication of bacteria in the oral cavity, and therefore does not provoke the development of caries.

Maltitol is suitable for products where the cooling effect of sugar alcohols is undesirable, for example, for chocolate or in baking, as it has a low refreshing effect, similar to regular sugar. Maltitol is one of the least hygroscopic sugar alcohols, so it can be used in most rooms without draining the air. Maltitol - E 965 Maltitol is a natural sweetener derived from starch.

Good day, friends! In order to always keep our blood sugar and sweet desserts under control, not to spoil our health and figure, nutritionists and chemists have come up with a lot of sugar substitutes for us. All of them differ from each other in composition, active substances and effects on the human body.

Maltitol or maltitol is a sweetener under the code number e965, we find out what its benefits and harms in diabetes, as well as its calorie content and glycemic index.

You will finally understand if you should eat sugary foods with this sugar substitute.

How to get the maltitol sweetener

The sweetener maltitol is designated in industry E 965 and is a chemical substance, a polyhydric alcohol synthesized from malt sugar (maltose), which, in turn, is produced from corn or potato starch.

Its production was started in the 60s by a Japanese company. It was in the country of the Rising Sun that the production process was developed and a patent for it was obtained.

The taste is very similar to sucrose and almost does not have additional shades.

Maltitol is produced in several forms: it is found both in the form of syrup and in the form of powder. In neither case is it odorless and readily soluble in water.

The indisputable advantage of maltitol is the ability to use it in cooking, since this sweetener does not lose its properties when heated and is recognized as heat-resistant. In addition, he, like sugar, is able to caramelize. This is especially valuable for the manufacture of dragees and lollipops for diet with the addition of maltitol.

But to know for sure whether it is worth trying to use this sweetener in your daily diet, we will find out how harmful maltitol is.

Maltitol sweetener - benefits and harms

The chemical substance maltitol is broken down in the body into two of its components - glucose and sorbitol. It is not processed by bacteria in the oral cavity, and therefore does not cause tooth decay.

Calorie sweetener E 965

Maltitol E 965 has less sweetness than sugar by about 25-30%, that is, to sweeten a drink or a dish you need to add this sweetener one third more than sugar.

  In addition, the caloric content of maltitol in comparison with a number of other sweeteners is quite large.

• 210 kcal per 100 g, which is only 2 times lower than sugar.

Maltitol: glycemic and insulin index

The glycemic index (GI) of maltitol is also quite large and depends on the form of release.

• In powder, the GI ranges from 25 to 35 units.
• In syrup, GI ranges from 50 to 56 units.

In any case, it is less than sugar, but higher than fructose.

However, maltitol is absorbed much more slowly, due to which the level of glucose in the blood rises gradually, and not abruptly, which is especially important for people suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Insulin is also produced, the insulin index is 25. Therefore, you need to think many times before eating foods with maltitol. Indeed, people with hyperinsulinemia do not need an even greater increase in insulin, and those who use insulin need to correctly calculate the dose and maintain exposure, because the dynamics of increasing blood sugar will be slower than that of sucrose.

However, in any case, it should be consumed in limited quantities: diabetics should calculate their individual dose with a doctor, and healthy people should remember that in large quantities maltitol has a laxative effect.

And if the patient’s chocolate on maltitol may not pass noticeably for sugar level, then for a person with type 1 diabetes this carbohydrate must be taken into account and insulin is poked on it, otherwise wait for high sugar in a couple of hours. And people with excess weight do not need extra calories.

I want to immediately warn that most of the chocolates sold in large supermarkets that say “No Sugar” or “With Stevia” have maltitol or isomalt in their composition. And it can be sorbitol or xylitol or some of the synthetic sweeteners.

It’s unfortunate, but more often than not under the inscription “with stevia” lies nothing more than a successful marketing move, which you, without knowing it, willingly buy it. A proper sweetener should not increase your blood glucose and insulin levels!

Daily Intake

Still, it is not worth exceeding the consumption rate, all the more so because of its culinary properties, maltitol is added to a wide variety of products and you can meet it even where you are not waiting - we carefully read the label!

• The daily norm is 90 g per day.

For example, in the United States, some European countries, and Australia, a warning about the laxative properties of maltitol is mandatory.

Maltitol in medicines WITHOUT sugar

I want to draw your attention to the active use of maltitol syrup in the pharmaceutical industry. All medicines, whether liquid, in tablets or dragees, on the packaging of which is written “WITHOUT sugar”, actually contain sodium saccharin and / or maltitol syrup and / or isomalt.

I agree that this is certainly better than with sugar, but still you need to be aware. All medicinal syrups with a sweet taste contain one or another sweetener. For example, baby panadol or nurofen. Various dragees and lozenges, for example sugar-free strepsils, also contain maltitol or another sweetener.

Maltitol has been permitted in Europe since 1984, and today in the United States, Russia and several other countries. In any case, buying a sweetener Maltitol, do not forget about the sense of proportion and be sure to carefully read the composition of the products on the labels.

We must always take care of our health - remember this and be healthy!

With warmth and care, endocrinologist Dilara Lebedeva