With rising number of diabetic patients, India’s decision to allow use of isomalt in more number of food items has come as a ray of hope for many  Use of isomalt in food items may prevent diabetes, one of the offshoots of obesity. As per statistics from the World Health Organisation, India has a rising number of diabetic patients, with the figure presently standing at 13.7 million cases, which is 19% of the total number of cases reported across the world. In a recent move, the Health Ministry has approved the use of isomalt in a series of food items including Indian sweets and Western food items.
Earlier in India, the use of isomalt was restricted to only confectionery products, chewing gums and chocolates. However, following the recent move, many confectionery manufacturers are expected to make use of isomalt and come up with new varieties of healthy food items.
Isomalts can now be used in traditional Indian sweets, which are mostly carbohydrate and milk based. For instance, boondi ladoo, halwa, Mysore pak, jams jellies, instant sweetmeal mixes, yoghurts, frozen desserts, jalebi, khoya burfi, rasogolla, marmalades, ice cream and bakery goods are some of the items in which isomalt can be used.
What is isomalt?
Isomalt is a substitute of sugar. It is used mainly for its sugar-like characteristics. Its impact on blood sugar level is also very low and it does not cause tooth decay. However, excess intake of isomalt may lead to gastric diseases such as diarrhoea and flatulence. The advised quantity of isomalt for adult consumption is 50 gm per day, and for children it is 25 gm only.
Expert speak
Sharing his opinion on this score, Dr V Sudershan Rao, senior scientist at National Institute of Nutrition, in an interview with Food Processing360, says, “With increase in the number of diabetic patients, the use of Isomalt is permitted in India to provide choice to diabetic consumers as well as to those who are concerned about obesity. However, it is mandatory for manufacturers to declare its addition in food products on the label, thereby cautioning that the item is not recommended for children.
Pointing out its utility, food technologist Satish Srivastava opines, “Even though I don’t see any health hazards associated with the use of isomalt in food items, it may not be affordable for many because malt or beet root sugar is highly expensive in India.”
The US had approved use of isomalt way back in 1990. Countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Holland and Norway, among others also use isomalt in food items.
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