May 6, 2002

3 Min Read
GMT-ALC


GMT-ALC

GMT-ALC, a new ingredient produced by Toyo Hakko, is derived from an extract of fermented rice germ and soy beans. Rice germ naturally contains phytate, vitamins, minerals and other nutritional compounds. During the fermentation process, phytate is hydrolyzed, allowing it to transform other compounds, such as inositol, into polysaccharides.

The compound has several benefits, including boosting levels of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract and protecting the liver from toxins. It may also reduce odors associated with consumption of alcohol or with fermentation of foods in the digestive tract.

GMT-ALC and other fermentation byproducts (such as fermented polysaccharide, phytic acid, etc.) allow beneficial intestinal flora to thrive. It also normalizes the intestinal pH, keeping it between 6.8 and 7.2. When intestinal function is optimal, it promotes healthy liver and kidney function, aids nutrient absorption and helps the production of various enzymes. However, if the intestinal flora is out of balance, fat fermentation and protein decomposition can occur in the intestinal tract, resulting in unpleasant stool and urine odor. While the specific mechanism of action of how GMT-ALC reduces odors is not known, it is speculated that odorous ingredients produced during fermentation are "trapped" in the phytic acid chelate structure.

The activation of intestinal flora is linked to healthy liver function because it helps activate liver enzyme activity. GMT has been studied specifically for its impact on liver function. A 1996 study conducted at Fujita Health University of Health Sciences Clincal Chemistry looked at mice induced into hepatitis and then treated with Balancer (containing the active ingredient GMT) to improve liver function. The mice were then given carbon tetrachloride. Animals were tested for high levels of transaminase, which is an enzyme contained in liver tissue. Those animals given Balancer had lower levels of transaminase. In addition, the researchers autopsied the livers of the animals for triglycerides and peroxidized fats, which can indicate liver malfunction. They found that the group given Balancer was at almost a normal point of both types of lipoproteins.

Additional human studies have reviewed GMT's impact on alcohol consumption. One study conducted by Toyo reviewed GMT's effects on alcohol metabolism. Ten adult males who consumed alcohol regularly were given whiskey and water; a test group was given 10 mL of GMT 10 minutes before ingestion of alcohol. Researchers found that blood alcohol levels peaked at the same time, but the GMT group had faster clearance, with levels at zero two hours after ingestion. Another study examined GMT's ability to impact mouth odor after alcohol consumption. Ten males were given whisky and water alone, or had the drink plus 30 mL of water with 5 mL of GMT. Based on subjective measurements of odor strength, the trial group had significantly decreased breath odor.

GMT also has been studied for possible toxicity. An acute toxicity test in mice resulted in no deaths during a two-week experimental observation. Mice were given various quantities of GMT, with a max of 50 mg/kg of body weight. Researchers found that some loss of spontaneous movement and some crouch were observed within an hour after dosing; however, every mouse was back to normal in a day and no abnormality was observed thereafter. Also, no abnormality was seen in the main internal organs.

Kowa American is the exclusive U.S. supplier ofGMT-ALC.

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