Coconut-derived D-xylose affects postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy individuals

Abstract

Metabolic alterations including postprandial hyperglycemia have been implicated in the development of obesity-related diseases. Xylose is a sucrase inhibitor suggested to suppress the postprandial glucose surge. The objectives of this study were to assess the inhibitory effects of two different concentrations of xylose on postprandial glucose and insulin responses and to evaluate its efficacy in the presence of other macronutrients. Randomized double-blind cross-over studies were conducted to examine the effect of D-xylose on postprandial glucose and insulin response following the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In study 1, the overnight-fasted study subjects (n = 49) consumed a test sucrose solution (50 g sucrose in 130 ml water) containing 0, 5, or 7.5 g D-xylose powder. In study 2, the overnight-fasted study subjects (n = 50) consumed a test meal (50 g sucrose in a 60 g muffin and 200 ml sucrose-containing solution). The control meal provided 64.5 g of carbohydrates, 4.5 g of fat, and 10 g of protein. The xylose meal was identical to the control meal except 5 g of xylose was added to the muffin mix. In study 1, the 5 g xylose-containing solutions exhibited significantly lower area under the glucose curve (AUCg) and area under the insulin curve (AUCi) values for 0-15 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-30 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-45 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-60 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-90 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001) and 0-120 min (P = 0.0071, P = 0.0016). In study 2, the test meal exhibited significantly lower AUCg and AUCi values for 0-15 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-30 min (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), 0-45 min (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0005), 0-60 min (P = 0.0002, P = 0.0025), and 0-90 min (P = 0.0396, P = 0.0246). In conclusion, xylose showed an acute suppressive effect on the postprandial glucose and insulin surges.

d-Xylose suppresses adipogenesis and regulates lipid metabolism genes in high-fat diet–induced obese mice

“…In another study, administration of sucrose solution containing 10% D-xylose exhibited significantly lower under the glucose curve values as well as under the insulin curve values, in an oral glucose tolerance test completed by healthy individuals [22]. Consumption of a test meal containing 10% of D-xylose also led to significantly lower under the glucose curve and under the insulin curve values [22].…”

“…by bacteria in the cecum or large intestine [35]. Intake of D-xylose has been shown to have the same effects as a low glycemic index (GI) diet, including an induction of lower postprandial blood glucose levels, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and prevention of metabolic diseases [22]. In addition, a low GI diet has been associated with decreased lipogenesis and higher levels of CPT-1 mRNA (a gene that contributes to the regulation of long-chain fatty acids via β-oxidation in the liver) compared with a high GI diet [36].…”

“…Recently, various new sugars and sugar substitutes have been developed for nutritional and therapeutic purposes and for the management of excessive weight and complications from diabetes. D-Xylose is a natural pentose sugar that is abundant in corn cobs, coconuts, seed hulls, and straw [22]. D-Xylose has been shown to be a potent sucrase inhibitor, similar to L-arabinose.…”

“…For the portion of D-xylose that is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted without being metabolized into energy or fermented in the large intestine, this portion provides no further input of energy and may partially account for the anti-lipogenic effect of D-xylose. Because of its incomplete absorption, D-xylose has been used as an alternative sweetener and has been reported to inhibit intestinal sucrose activity [23], reduce postprandial glucose, and control serum insulin sensitivity in healthy adults [22]. In addition, acute administration of a D-xylose preload has been shown to reduce postprandial glycemia by enhancing the activity of dipeptidyl peptidase IV [26].…”

Impact of Xylose on Glucose-Dehydrogenase-Based Blood Glucose Meters for Patient Self-Testing

“…8 It has, for example, been shown that coconut-derived D-xylose favorably affected postprandial glucose and insulin response when used as a supplement with sucrose in men. 9 As repeated glucose and insulin excursions are closely related to metabolic stress, the proper application of xylose in different sucrose-based products may lessen the undesired effects of sucrose. Subsequently, xylose has become a carbohydrate of interest for use in functional food products, in particular for products recommended for dietary use in diabetes and obesity.…”