D-Tagatose Is Towards a Nutrition New Era of “Healthy Sugar”

D-Tagatose is a rare sugar naturally present in fruits (e.g., apples, grapes), honey and dairy products, it is derived from lactose, hydrolyzed and isomerized, has a sweetness similar to that of sucrose (about 92% of sucrose), has a pure taste and does not taste bad, but contains only a third of the calories of sucrose (about 1.5 Kcal / g) and a GI of 8. These properties allow D-Tagatose to stand out in the field of sweeteners.

I. Health codes of Tagatose.

1. Rising potential star for blood sugar management.

Studies have shown that administration of 75g of D-Tagatose 30 min prior to glucose tolerance experiments in diabetic populations is able to significantly inhibit blood glucose increase and did not affect blood insulin levels, and that a minimum dose of 5g (3 times/day) of D-Tagatose is able to effectively control acetylated hemoglobin levels in type II diabetic populations.

2. The “protector” of intestinal health.

D-Tagatose has a positive effect on intestinal health. Only 20% of the D-Tagatose ingested by the body is absorbed by the small intestine. And the vast majority of D-Tagatose goes directly into the colon, selectively fermented by the microbial flora, promoting the proliferation of probiotics, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, which is a good probiotic.

Meanwhile, D-Tagatose also produces large amounts of beneficial short-chain fatty acids by fermentation, especially butyric acid. It is a good source of energy for the epithelial cells of the colon and plays an active role in the growth of probiotics such as lactic bacteria, etc.

3. The “guardian” against tooth decay.

D-Tagatose cannot be used by cariogenic bacteria in the mouth to produce acid and therefore does not cause tooth decay. Not only is D-Tagatose able to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, but it is also effective in reducing the formation of biofilms, the effect of which is even more pronounced when used in combination with Xylitol, making D-Tagatose a wide range of applications in oral products.

4. Health aids for weight management.

For weight management, D-Tagatose also plays a positive role. Due to its low absorption rate and low calorie content, D-Tagatose can be effective in reducing total caloric intake in weight management. Studies suggest that D-Tagatose could achieve its weight control goals by regulating appetite-related hormones and increasing satiety. For many diabetic groups, weight loss is a key factor in controlling blood sugar.

Long-term administration of D-Tagatose in diabetic subjects significantly reduced body weight, and D-Tagatose reduced food intake in healthy men. For pregnant women, weight management is essential and excessive weight gain increases the risks to the health of the mother and fetus, so D-Tagatose also has potential applications in the maternal and fetal market.

II. Wide uses of D-Tagatose.

1. Functional foods and beverages: in beverages, yogurts, energy bars, D-Tagatose can not only provide pure sweet taste, but also label “good intestinal health”, “low sugar” and other functional claims, meeting the needs of consumers in health upgrade.

2. Bakery products: by replacing up to 50% sucrose in sponge cakes with D-Tagatose, the qualitative structure, moisture and sensory acceptance of the cake are not significantly different from whole sucrose cakes, while Maillard reaction is improved and color is better, which opens new doors for the development of healthy bakery products.

3. Oral care products: based on the anti-caries and inhibitory properties of Tagatose biofilm, D-Tagatose is used in toothpaste, mouthwash, oral spray and other products, it can also be used in cough syrup, adhesive to fix dentures and oral disinfectant to provide complete protection of oral health.

4. Other products: D-Tagatose can be used as stabilizer and moisturizer in cosmetics, offering new options for improving the quality of cosmetics.

III. From D-Tagatose, to glimpse the future.

D-Tagatose is not only a sweetener, but also a vector of a healthy lifestyle and a symbol of the progress of nutritional science. In it, we see the image of a future where sweetness and health mix, where science and delicacy coexist.