Contents
It is also called malt sugar. Maltose is obtained from cereal grains, mainly from germinated grains of rye and barley. This sugar is less sweet than glucose, sucrose and fructose. It is considered to be more beneficial for health, as it does not negatively affect bones and teeth.
Maltose rich foods:
Indicated approximate amount (grams) in 100 g of product
General characteristics of maltose
In its pure form, maltose is an easily digestible carbohydrate. It is a disaccharide made up of glucose residues. Like any other sugar, maltose is readily soluble in water and insoluble in ethyl alcohol and ether.
Maltose is not an irreplaceable substance for the human body. It is produced from starch and glycogen, a storage substance found in the liver and muscles of all mammals.
In the gastrointestinal tract, maltose taken along with food is broken down into glucose molecules and thus absorbed by the body.
Daily requirement for maltose
Together with food, a certain amount of sugars per day must enter the human body. Doctors advise to consume no more than 100 grams of sweets per day. At the same time, the amount of maltose can reach 30-40 grams per day, provided that the use of other types of sugar-containing products is reduced.
The need for maltose increases:
Intense mental and physical activity requires a lot of energy. For their early recovery, simple carbohydrates are required, which also includes maltose.
The need for maltose decreases:
- In case of diabetes mellitus (Maltose rapidly increases blood sugar levels, which is very undesirable in this disease).
- A sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work that is not associated with active mental activity reduces the body’s need for maltose.
Digestibility of maltose
Maltose is quickly and easily absorbed by our body. The process of assimilation of maltose begins right in the mouth, thanks to the presence of the enzyme amylase in saliva. Full assimilation of maltose occurs in the intestines, while glucose is released, which is necessary as an energy source for the entire body, and especially the brain.
In some cases, with a lack of enzyme in the body, maltose intolerance appears. In this case, all products containing it should be excluded from the diet.
Useful properties of maltose and its effect on the body
Maltose is an excellent source of energy. According to information from medical sources, maltose is a more beneficial substance for the body than fructose and sucrose. It is included in the dietary meals. Croquettes, muesli, crispbreads, some types of bread and pastries are made with the addition of maltose.
Malt (maltose) sugar contains a number of vital substances: B vitamins, amino acids, trace elements potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. Due to the large amount of organic matter, such sugar cannot be stored for a long time.
Interaction with essential elements
Maltose is water soluble. Interacts with B vitamins and some trace elements, as well as polysaccharides. Absorbed only in the presence of special digestive enzymes.
Signs of a lack of maltose in the body
Energy depletion is the first sign of a lack of sugars in the body. Weakness, lack of strength, depressed mood are the first symptoms that the body urgently needs energy.
There were no general signs of maltose deficiency in the body due to the fact that our body is able to independently produce this substance from glycogen, starch and other polysaccharides.
Signs of excess maltose in the body
- all kinds of allergic reactions;
- nausea, bloating;
- indigestion;
- dry mouth;
- apathy.
Factors affecting the content of maltose in the body
Proper body function and food composition affect the maltose content in our body. In addition, the amount of maltose is influenced by physical activity, which should not be too large, but not too small.
Maltose – health benefits and harms
To date, the properties of maltose are still not well understood. Some advocate its use, others say that since it is obtained using chemical technologies, it is harmful. Doctors only warn that excessive intake of maltose can harm our body.
We have collected the most important points about maltose in this illustration and we would be grateful if you share the picture on a social network or blog, with a link to this page: