Palatinose Isomaltulose Improves Glycemic Response: Study

A new clinical study found that an isomaltulose ingredient marketed by Beneo as Palatinose improved the body’s hormonal and glycemic response to a second meal by increasing GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and PYY (peptide tyrosine tyrosine) levels, compared to a control beverage containing sucrose. Palatinose is a beet-derived dissacharide, which releases slowly, resulting in lower glucose responses.

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study recruited 15 adults with metabolic syndrome, who consumed either 50 grams of isomaltulose or a matching dose of sucrose.

The study followed two trial protocols. The first protocol included a breakfast with the drinks, followed by 3 hours of metabolic monitoring, a standardized lunch, and then another 6 hours of metabolic monitoring. The second protocol involved a breakfast, then three hours of metabolic monitoring, a test drink one hour before a standardized lunch, and then five hours of metabolic monitoring. Researchers tracked blood glucose, insulin, and gut hormones (GLP-1, PYY) that are associated with satiety and blood glucose control.

Compared to a sucrose control, Palatinose resulted in a lower glucose response compared to sucrose, including a significantly lower blood glucose peak; the supplement also significantly increased GLP-1 and PYY by comparison. This resulted in a slower and lower blood glucose response to lunch, which is known as a ‘second meal effect,’ suggesting that Palatinose supports metabolic stability across meals, the authors concluded. This prolonged hormone response can stabilize blood glucose levels and an improved insulin release, potentially increasing insulin sensitivity.

The benefits were more pronounced in the first protocol, when participants pre-loaded with the carbohydrate three hours before the meal, highlighting the importance of timing for maximum effect.

“This study shows how smart sugar choices like Palatinose can help the body manage blood sugar not just after eating, but even hours later,” said Stephan Theis, PhD, head of nutrition science and communication at Beneo. “It strengthens the evidence for the second-meal effect, resulting from the sustained release of GLP-1 and PYY. The findings highlight the strong potential of functional carbohydrates in supporting long-term metabolic health. Beneo continues to invest in high-quality nutritional research to support evidence-based ingredient innovation, and this study adds another landmark piece of evidence to this consistent and growing scientific portfolio.”