FDA has authorized a non-cariogenic health claim for the carbohydrate sweetener isomaltulose, which is marketed as Palatinose. This official categorization in the U.S. helps clear the way to new opportunities in positioning and product claims for food and beverage manufacturers.

“Cariogenic” describes a substance that stimulates tooth decay (dental caries). It is a common description for sugars that can easily be digested by oral bacteria, such as sucrose, fructose (including HFCS), and lactose. Though produced from real sugar and exhibiting a very natural taste profile, Palatinose is distinguished by a very strong molecular binding, which cannot be broken by plaque bacteria and prevents the generation of acids that harm tooth enamel. In contrast with easily degradable carbohydrates, there is no formation of caries with Palatinose. Isomaltulose has successfully passed the thorough FDA approval procedure and is now officially categorized “non-cariogenic” in the U.S.

Palatinose is produced and marketed by the German specialty carbohydrate company Palatinit and its U.S. subsidiary in New Jersey. Providing approximately half the sweetening power of sugar as well as the same natural taste profile, Palatinose is  suited for sweetening end products that are kind to teeth. Its benefits, however, extend far beyond that of mere sweetening:  Palatinose is not only toothfriendly,  but also very low glycemic yet fully digestible. It provides the same amount of energy as sugar in the form of glucose, but over a significantly longer period of time and has only a gentle effect on blood sugar and insulin levels in the human body. In addition, recent scientific studies indicate that Palatinose promotes markedly improved fat burning.

The approval of isomaltulose as a non-cariogenic sweetener can lead to new opportunities for product development and specific dental health claims, such as “does not promote tooth decay”, “may reduce the risk of dental caries” etc. Whether sports and wellness drinks, functional beverages or even chocolate – corresponding claims are conceivable for a whole series of applications.  Ultimately, however, a “toothfriendly” label depends on the entire formulation of an end product.

Palatinose is approved as food in many Asian countries. In Japan, isomaltulose is categorized as a “Food for Specific Health Use” (FOSHU). In July 2005, the carbohydrate received approval as a “Novel Food” in the European Union, and Australia and New Zealand followed suit this year in August. In the U.S., Palatinose was granted GRAS status by the FDA in March 2006, backed by a “letter of no objection.”