Palatinose
Also known as: Palatinose, Isomaltulose, ISO
Overview
Isomaltulose, commonly known as Palatinose, is a naturally occurring disaccharide found in honey and sugarcane juice. It is enzymatically derived from sucrose but features an α-1,6-glycosidic bond, which results in slower digestion and absorption compared to sucrose. This slow digestion leads to a lower glycemic index (GI ~32) and a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream, minimizing blood glucose spikes. Palatinose is used as a low-glycemic carbohydrate sweetener in foods and supplements, offering sustained energy release and improved glycemic control. Research indicates that Palatinose can modulate metabolic responses, making it a valuable functional food ingredient. It is available in powder form and can be incorporated into various foods and beverages.
Benefits
Palatinose significantly attenuates postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses compared to sucrose and other high-GI carbohydrates. Meta-analyses have shown a moderate reduction in glycemic response at 30 minutes post-ingestion (p < 0.05). It is particularly beneficial for overweight and obese individuals, including those with type 2 diabetes, as it contributes to improved glycemic control. Studies also suggest that Palatinose, when combined with prebiotic fibers, can modulate gut microbiota, potentially enhancing metabolic health. Furthermore, it may regulate GLP-1 secretion, which can improve insulin sensitivity and appetite regulation. Healthy individuals also experience lower glycemic and insulinemic peaks after Palatinose ingestion compared to sucrose.
How it works
Palatinose is digested more slowly than sucrose due to its α-1,6-glycosidic bond, resulting in a gradual release of glucose and fructose. This slower absorption rate reduces rapid blood glucose spikes and insulin secretion. Palatinose enhances GLP-1 secretion, which modulates insulin release and appetite. Additionally, it influences gut microbiota composition when combined with prebiotics, potentially improving metabolic health. The primary molecular targets include intestinal disaccharidases, which hydrolyze Palatinose at a slower rate, and GLP-1 secreting enteroendocrine cells. Palatinose is fully absorbed, but its slower digestion leads to sustained energy release and a lower glycemic index.
Side effects
Palatinose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare; however, mild gastrointestinal discomfort is possible but infrequent. No significant rare adverse events have been documented. There are no known significant drug interactions. No specific contraindications have been identified, although caution is advised for individuals with rare disaccharide malabsorption disorders. Palatinose is considered safe for use in overweight, obese, and diabetic populations under clinical supervision. Overall, Palatinose presents a favorable safety profile based on available research.
Dosage
Studies typically use 30-50 g doses of Palatinose to assess glycemic effects, with this range commonly used in research to achieve metabolic benefits. Doses up to 50 g per serving are generally well-tolerated. Palatinose is best consumed with meals or as part of carbohydrate intake to modulate postprandial glycemia. It is available as a powder or incorporated into foods and beverages. Its slower digestion rate compared to sucrose means absorption is influenced by the food matrix. No specific cofactors are required, but synergistic effects have been observed when combined with prebiotic fibers. While a maximum safe dose is not explicitly defined, the existing research supports the safety of the recommended dosage range.
FAQs
Is Palatinose safe for diabetics?
Yes, Palatinose improves glycemic control and reduces postprandial glucose spikes in diabetic individuals, making it a suitable sugar alternative.
How quickly does Palatinose affect blood sugar?
Palatinose effects are typically observed within 30 minutes and can last up to 3 hours post-consumption due to its slow digestion rate.
Can Palatinose replace sugar in the diet?
Yes, Palatinose can be used as a low-GI sugar alternative to help reduce the overall glycemic load of the diet.
Does Palatinose cause gastrointestinal issues?
Gastrointestinal issues are rare with Palatinose; most individuals tolerate it well without experiencing adverse effects.
Is Palatinose effective alone or only with prebiotics?
Palatinose is effective alone for glycemic control, but combining it with prebiotics may enhance benefits for gut microbiota.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35595510/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis compared isomaltulose to sucrose in multiple RCTs. The findings showed moderate evidence for attenuated glycemic and insulinemic responses at 30 minutes post-ingestion, confirming Palatinose’s lower glycemic impact with robust methodology and adequate controls.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.829933/full – This retrospective analysis examined the real-life dietary incorporation of Palatinose and inulin-type fructans. The results indicated improved postprandial and daylong glycemia and beneficial modulation of gut microbiota, suggesting synergistic effects that warrant further prospective trials.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/11/1940 – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on diabetic populations and demonstrated significant reductions in postprandial plasma glucose levels with isomaltulose consumption. The study included well-controlled RCTs with statistical significance and effect size reporting, supporting clinical relevance for glycemic management.
- https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/Beneo-isomaltulose-Palanitose-metabolic-regulation-study – This article discusses a study on Beneo's isomaltulose (Palatinose) and its effects on metabolic regulation. While the specific study details are not fully available, the article highlights the potential benefits of Palatinose in managing blood sugar levels and improving metabolic health.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/novel-findings-on-the-metabolic-effects-of-the-low-glycaemic-carbohydrate-isomaltulose-palatinose/D00A86306FEE1E7DC3CF106AB466442A – This study conducted randomized crossover trials in healthy and overweight subjects, showing slower digestion and absorption of Palatinose with lower blood glucose and insulin peaks compared to sucrose. The study design included proper controls and repeated measures, confirming metabolic benefits.
Supplements Containing Palatinose
Gaspari's Real Mass Chocolate Ice Cream
Gaspari Nutrition

Gaspari's Real Mass Rich Vanilla Milkshake
Gaspari Nutrition

Gaspari's Real Mass Strawberry Milkshake
Gaspari Nutrition

SizeOn Orange Cooler
Gaspari Nutrition

Intense Pre-Workout Boost Citrus Burst Flavored
XS Energize

Intense Pre-Workout Boost Citrus Burst Flavored
XS Energize

All-In-One Daily Essentials Shake Chocolate
Lyfe Fuel

Endurance Fuel Citrus Burst
Twinlab

All-In-One Daily Essentials Shake Chocolate
Lyfe Fuel

All-In-One Daily Essentials Shake Vanilla Chai
Lyfe Fuel

All-In-One Daily Essentials Shake Vanilla Chai
Lyfe Fuel

Mineral Electrolytes Fresh Lime Flavor
Onnit