What Is Palatinose® (Isomaltulose)?
Palatinose® is a naturally sourced carbohydrate derived from beet sugar, composed of glucose and fructose bound by a strong glycosidic bond. Unlike high-glycaemic carbs that cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, Palatinose is digested slowly, resulting in a stable and prolonged release of glucose into the bloodstream.
Its low glycaemic index (GI: 32) makes it ideal for steady energy delivery and reduced insulin spikes. This profile supports greater reliance on fat as an energy source during endurance exercise.
How It Supports Endurance and Athletic Performance
Studies have shown that Palatinose® is an effective fuel for endurance athletes due to its distinct metabolic effects:
Stable Blood Glucose: Palatinose® provides a gradual supply of glucose, helping maintain blood sugar levels during long-duration activities without causing crashes.
Enhanced Fat Oxidation: By avoiding high insulin peaks, Palatinose promotes a higher rate of fat oxidation during exercise. This spares muscle glycogen and supports endurance capacity.
Sustained Energy: The prolonged digestion of Palatinose offers a consistent energy supply, improving time to exhaustion and perceived energy levels in endurance athletes.
Better Gastrointestinal Tolerance: Compared to other fast-acting carbs, Palatinose is often better tolerated, reducing the risk of GI distress during training and competition.
Conclusion
For endurance athletes seeking smart fueling strategies, Palatinose offers a science-supported advantage. Its ability to sustain energy, promote fat metabolism, and maintain stable blood sugar levels makes it a strong ally for performance and recovery. When incorporated into pre-workout or intra-workout nutrition, it can support lasting output without energy dips.
References
Koenitz A, Thomas DE, et al. (2012). Metabolic effects of isomaltulose compared with other carbohydrates. Nutrition Research Reviews, 25(1), 1–10. Available at: wronghttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22492584/
König D, Zdzieblik D, Holz A, Theis S, Gollhofer A. (2016). Substrate utilization and cycling performance following Palatinose ingestion: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Nutrients, 8(6), 390. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/7/390
