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Digestion of maltitol in man, rat, and rabbit
Abstract:
Maltitol is found to be enzymatically hydrolyzed by the small intestinal mucosa of man, rat, and rabbit and metabolized by everted sacs of rabbit intestine at a moderate rate. On in vivo perfusion of maltitol (15.3 mumol/min) through the small intestine, 19% of the sugar alcohol is digested by gnotobiotic rats. 120 min after stomach intubation of gnotobiotic rats, only 31% of the ingested maltitol is found in the ileum. A daily application of 35 g maltitol to 4 human beings does not influence the parameters of well-being, compatibility and fecal state. It is concluded that maltitol will be digested and utilized by man, rat, and rabbit.
Insights
Maltitol is enzymatically digested by the small intestine in humans, rats, and rabbits. Studies show significant digestion and utilization of this sugar alcohol in vivo and in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Maltitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute.
- Understanding its metabolic fate is crucial for dietary applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the enzymatic hydrolysis and metabolism of maltitol in the small intestine.
- To assess the in vivo digestion and absorption of maltitol in animal models and humans.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic hydrolysis assays using small intestinal mucosa.
- In vitro metabolism studies with everted intestinal sacs.
- In vivo perfusion and intubation studies in gnotobiotic rats.
- Human clinical trial assessing well-being and fecal parameters.
Main Results:
- Maltitol undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis by the small intestinal mucosa of humans, rats, and rabbits.
- Moderate metabolic rate observed in everted rabbit intestinal sacs.
- In vivo perfusion showed 19% digestion of maltitol in gnotobiotic rats.
- 31% of ingested maltitol reached the ileum within 120 minutes in gnotobiotic rats.
- Daily intake of 35g maltitol did not negatively impact human well-being or fecal state.
Conclusions:
- Maltitol is demonstrably digested and utilized by humans, rats, and rabbits.
- The sugar alcohol exhibits a moderate rate of metabolism in the small intestine.
- Clinical observations suggest good tolerance and compatibility in humans.