Metabolism of ¹³C-Isomaltooligosaccharides in Healthy Men

Abstract

Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO), sweeteners derived from corn-starch, selectively promote the growth of bifidobacteria in the human intestine. The metabolic fate of IMO in healthy men was investigated. The expiration rates of excess ¹³CO₂ and hydrogen of six men were measured while sedentary and while taking physical exercise after the ¹³C-labeled IMO intakes. The breath H₂ excretion kept at a constant state after IMO ingestion in the sedentary test and increased in the exercise test. The serum glucose and serum insulin increased 30min after IMO ingestion. The ¹³CO₂ recoveries were 28.7% in the sedentary test and 60.9% in the exercise test. These recoveries were 70-80% compared those of maltose. These results indicated that a part of IMO was digested and the residual IMO was fermented by intestinal flora. The energy value of IMO might be about 75% of that of maltose.