L-arabinose co-ingestion delays glucose absorption derived from sucrose in healthy men and women: a double-blind, randomized crossover trial.

Abstract

Dietary interventions to delay carbohydrate digestion or absorption can effectively prevent hyperglycemia in the early postprandial phase. L-arabinose can specifically inhibit sucrase. It remains to be assessed whether co-ingestion of L-arabinose with sucrose delays sucrose digestion, attenuates subsequent glucose absorption, and impacts hepatic glucose output. In this double-blind, randomized crossover study, we assessed blood glucose kinetics following ingestion of a 200-mL drink containing 50 g sucrose with 7.5 g L-arabinose (L-ARA) or without L-arabinose (CONT) in twelve young, healthy participants (24±1 y; BMI: 22.2±0.5 kg/m2). Plasma glucose kinetics were determined by a dual stable isotope methodology involving ingestion of [U-13C6]-glucose-enriched sucrose, and continuous intravenous infusion of [6,6-2H2]-glucose. Peak glucose concentrations reached 8.18±0.29 mmol/L for CONT 30 min after ingestion. In contrast, the postprandial rise in plasma glucose was attenuated for L-ARA, because peak glucose concentrations reached 6.62±0.18 mmol/L only 60 min after ingestion. The rate of exogenous glucose appearance for L-ARA was 67 and 57% lower compared with CONT at t = 15 min and 30 min, respectively, whereas it was 214% higher at t = 150 min, indicating a more stable absorption of exogenous glucose for L-ARA compared with CONT. Total glucose disappearance during the first hour was lower for L-ARA compared with CONT (11±1 versus 17±1 g, p<0.0001). Endogenous glucose production was not differentially affected at any time point (p=0.27). Co-ingestion of L-arabinose with sucrose delays sucrose digestion, resulting in a slower absorption of sucrose-derived glucose without causing adverse effects in young, healthy adults.