Lycasin
Lycasin is a trade name given by Roquette for hydrogenated glucose syrup (hydrogenated starch hydrolysates).[1] One of the major components of Lycasin is maltitol, derived from the hydrogenation of maltose. Depending on the dextrose equivalent (DE) of the syrup used in the hydrolysis, a variety of products can be made, with the name "lycasin" normally being reserved for lycasin 80/55 (80 referring to the dry content and 55 to the dextrose equivalent). The other grades (e.g. 75/60 and 80/33) are referred to as Polysorb,[2] but should not be confused with the polyglycolic acid suture of the same name which is produced by a different company.[3]
Lycasin's known side effects in adults include bloating, intestinal gurgling or rumbling (borborygmi), and flatulence.[4] Some cases of extremely intense intestinal distress have been reported from consuming foods containing Lycasin, which led to many humorous reviews of German confectioner Haribo's Sugarless Gummy Bears.[5]
References
- ^ Mitchell, Helen Buss (2006). Sweeteners and Sugar Alternatives in Food Technology. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-4051-3434-7.
- ^ Altschul, Aaron M. (1993). Low-calorie foods handbook. New York: M. Dekker. ISBN 978-0-8247-8812-4.
- ^ "Polysorb™ Braided Absorbable Sutures".
- ^ Lee, A.; Wils, D.; Zumbé, A.; Storey, DM (2002). "The comparative gastrointestinal responses of children and adults following consumption of sweets formulated with sucrose, isomalt and lycasin HBC". European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 56 (8): 755–764. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601389. PMID 12122552.
- ^ "What's in Those Haribo Gummy Bears?". The Atlantic. 17 January 2014.
