New research on the effects of Beneo’s functional carbohydrate, Palatinose, on health, mood and cognition has shown that its use can enhance mood and memory (ESPEN J. epub 16 May 2014). The study was performed at Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom and funded by Beneo.

The study looked 155 middle-aged and older volunteers that were randomly divided into three groups. Participants in each group consumed a breakfast that included yogurt and a drink with 40 grams of glucose, sucrose and Palatinose, respectively, representing decreasing glycemic loads and identical calorie counts. Mood and memory function tests were then performed on all the participants. The tests found that the group taking Palatinose with better glucose homeostasis performed significantly better on mood and memory tests. They showed better episodic memory compared to the glucose and sucrose groups and also made fewer mistakes than those who consumed glucose. This occurred after the meal when blood glucose levels were declining.

Palatinose is a full digestible, low glycemic carbohydrate that provides prolonged energy release in the form of glucose. Derived from sugar beet, Palatinose is a disaccharide and has a milder sweetness than sugar.