A new randomised controlled trial, conducted by Gaylor et al,^[i] demonstrates that BENEO’s slow and sustained release carbohydrate Palatinose™ improves aspects of sleep when consumed as a bedtime drink. By leading to more balanced blood glucose levels, particularly during the first half of the night, Palatinose™ may support a longer deep sleep phase and, thus, restful sleep.^[1] Based on this research, there is now even more evidence to show that Palatinose™ provides a range of benefits beyond metabolic health. 

Various studies worldwide have shown the prevalence of insomnia in 10 to 30 percent of the population, some even as high as 50 to 60 percent.^[ii] As poor sleep quality is known to be a risk factor for obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, and dementia, insomnia is a major public health issue. With this in mind, the findings of Gaylor et al are of key importance, as they demonstrate that the right choice of carbohydrate can positively impact a person’s sleep and mental wellbeing. 

The study was designed to explore the effect of Palatinose™ (isomaltulose), compared to glucose, on a person’s sleep. Using a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, the study was undertaken with 20 healthy young men with a mean age of 24 years. The participants’ blood glucose was monitored continuously, and their sleep characteristic metrics were monitored in a laboratory setting using polysomnography and actigraphy.^[2] One week after an acclimatisation night in the laboratory setting, half of the men were given 50g of isomaltulose, while the other half received 50g of glucose, dissolved in a 300ml drink of water. A further week later, the participants who had had a glucose drink received one with Palatinose™ and vice versa. The format for all three visits to the laboratory was: all participants ate a standardised evening meal and later viewed a series of neutral, positive, and negative stories; then 15 minutes before bedtime, at approximately 11 pm, the drinks were consumed. In the morning, the story recall was tested. 

The results showed that the participants who consumed the bedtime drink containing Palatinose™ had a slower and more sustained release of glucose to their blood, preventing dips in blood sugar levels – particularly during the first half of the night. In addition, those who consumed the drink with Palatinose™ during the second intervention had an extended deep sleep phase by an average of 22 minutes. This is because more balanced blood glucose levels promote deeper sleep and fewer periods of wakefulness. A better memory for neutral story content was also observed when Palatinose™ was consumed as the second intervention.^[iii] 

Commenting on the findings, Dr Stephan Theis, Head of Nutrition Science and Communication at BENEO, says: “These findings are significant, as deep or slow-wave sleep is important for physical recovery and cognitive health. By supporting balanced blood sugar levels and prolonging the deep sleep phase, Palatinose™ may improve restful sleep and a person’s overall well-being. Its ability to sustain blood sugar levels overnight may also have far-reaching implications for dietary interventions, targeting sleep disorders and cognitive decline.”

BENEO’s Palatinose™ (isomaltulose) is a naturally sourced, smart carbohydrate that provides full carbohydrate energy (4kcal/g) in a more balanced way, thanks to its low-glycaemic profile. Being a sugar, Palatinose™ has the physiology of a complex carbohydrate, though, as it is slowly absorbed. Palatinose™ is produced by the enzymatic rearrangement of the glycosidic bond between glucose and fructose in sucrose. As a result, it has slow-release properties and is non-cariogenic. It is also 100% vegan, kosher, halal, and non-GMO. 

The BENEO-Institute is an organization which brings together BENEO’s expertise from Nutrition Science and Regulatory teams. It acts as an advisory body for customers and partners reaching from ingredient approval, physiological effects, and nutritional composition to communication, education, and labelling. The BENEO-Institute works on topics related to the microbiome and prebiotics, digestive health and well-being, blood sugar management and the achievement of lower glycaemic diets, cognition and mental health, as well as bone health. It also addresses nutrition-related questions regarding protein and fibre intake requirements, sugar reduction, and more. 

The BENEO-Institute facilitates access to the latest scientific research and knowledge throughout all nutritional and regulatory topics related to BENEO ingredients. It provides BENEO customers and partners with substantiated guidance for some of the most critical questions in the food and feed industry, as well as public health. BENEO, a division of the Südzucker Group, employs more than 1,200 people and has production units in Belgium, Chile, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.

^[1] Palatinose^TM helps prevent counterreactions that interrupt sleep. That is because having more balanced blood glucose levels during the night has been shown to deactivate neurons that promote the release of hormones such as adrenalin or cortisol. 

^[2] Polysomnography (PSG) is a multi-parameter type of sleep study and a diagnostic tool in sleep medicine. Actigraphy is a non-invasive method of monitoring human rest/activity cycles.

^[i] Gaylor C. M. et al (2024); Low and High Glycemic Index Drinks Differentially Affect Sleep Polysomnography and Memory Consolidation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrition Research.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027153172400157X?via%3Dihub (Online since 04/12/2024)

^[ii] Bhaskar S, Hemavathy D, Prasad S. Prevalence of chronic insomnia in adult patients and its correlation with medical comorbidities. J Family Med Prim Care. 2016 Oct-Dec;5(4):780-784. doi: 10.4103/2249-4863.201153. PMID: 28348990; PMCID: PMC5353813.^[iii] The data indicates that a time for acclimatisation at the study setup was required.