Tagatose

Tagatose - mild sweetness with a special metabolic profile

Tagatose is a natural simple sugar (monosaccharide) and is structurally related to fructose. Only a small proportion is absorbed in the small intestine, the majority is absorbed in the large intestine. There, tagatose is utilized as a nutrient by certain intestinal bacteria, which clearly distinguishes this type of sugar from many others.

Is tagatose natural?

Yes, tagatose occurs in small quantities in nature, for example in apples, oranges, pineapples and in heated milk or fermented milk products such as yoghurt. For processing, it is usually obtained from lactose.

How does tagatose affect blood glucose levels?

Tagatose is only absorbed at around 20 % and is absorbed very slowly into the bloodstream. As a result, it hardly affects the blood sugar level*. The glycemic index is around 3 (for comparison: glucose = 100).

Is tagatose suitable for diabetics?

Tagatose can be used as part of a balanced diet for diabetics. Due to its low blood sugar effect, it is often used as an ingredient in products that promote a slower sugar metabolism. However, due to its limited intake, tagatose contributes little to the direct supply of usable glucose. It can therefore be useful to combine it with other types of sugar such as galactose, trehalose or isomaltulose, especially for insulin-dependent people.

How many calories does tagatose contain?

Tagatose only provides around 1.5 kcal per gram, as the majority is not absorbed but fermented in the large intestine. Nevertheless, according to the current regulation, an energy content of 4 kcal per gram must be declared in the EU - i.e. 400 kcal per 100 g - although this does not reflect the actual utilization in the body. In other countries such as the USA or South Korea, the lower value may already be declared.

How sweet does tagatose taste?

The sweetening power of tagatose is around 92 % compared to household sugar. It has a clear, natural taste without an unpleasant aftertaste and is therefore ideal for sweetening drinks, desserts and baked goods.

Does tagatose damage the teeth?

No, tagatose is not metabolized by caries-relevant bacteria and therefore does not contribute to acid formation. It is considered tooth-friendly*.

How well is tagatose tolerated?

Tagatose is easily digested when consumed in normal quantities - around 1 to 2 teaspoons per meal. As it reaches the large intestine largely undigested, it can lead to flatulence or softer stools in sensitive people from about 20 g per portion. It is generally recommended to consume tagatose in normal household quantities.

Is tagatose suitable for lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance or coeliac disease?

Tagatose is free from lactose and gluten and is also suitable for many people with fructose intolerance. Although it is structurally related to fructose, it is absorbed via a different route in the intestine. Many sufferers therefore report better tolerance. However, in the case of pronounced fructose malabsorption, it is advisable to carefully test individual tolerance.

When should I not use Tagatose?

Tagatose is well tolerated by most people. However, it is Not suitable for people with hereditary fructose intolerance - a rare metabolic disorder in which certain enzymes necessary for the breakdown of fructose and similar sugars are missing. In these people, intermediate breakdown products can accumulate in the body and cause health problems. This disease is usually diagnosed in infancy. It is important to note that hereditary fructose intolerance is not should be confused with the much more common fructose malabsorption, in which only the absorption in the intestine is impaired.

Conclusion

Tagatose is a natural sugar with mild sweetening power, low calorie utilization and hardly any measurable effect on blood sugar levels*. Thanks to its tooth-friendly* properties, versatility and special utilization in the body, tagatose offers an interesting option for anyone looking for conscious alternatives to conventional sugar.