D-Aloxitol Approved as a New Type of Food, with Sweetness Exceeding that of Sugar by 1.3 Times, Health Benefits Draw Attention!

According to the news released by the Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Agency (FSANZ), on August 19, 2024, the agency issued Notification No. 301-24, approving Application No. A1247 and officially recognizing D-Aloxitol as a new type of food.

D-Aloxitol is a monosaccharide that belongs to the hexose class, with the chemical formula C6H12O6. As a natural sugar, it is found in fruits, honey, and certain vegetables, although its content is relatively low.

The distinctive feature of D-Aloxitol is its high sweetness, approximately 1.3 times that of sugar. Its metabolism in the human body is relatively slow, which does not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, which is in contrast to the metabolism characteristics of sugar. Studies on the health benefits of D-Aloxitol suggest that it may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol levels.

Considering the high sweetness and slow metabolism characteristics of D-Aloxitol, it is used as a low-calorie sweetener and is suitable for use as a food additive. In addition, D-Aloxitol also shows potential applications in the medical field, especially in the treatment of diabetes and obesity.

It is worth noting that research on D-Aloxitol is still in its early stages, and its safety, effectiveness, and long-term effects still need further in-depth research. It has been revealed that the application plans to utilize the Synechocystis sp. strain SYG27B-MF, which contains allose-3-epimerase, to produce D-allose through enzymatic conversion of fructose using leaves of the microbe. Previously, the Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Authority has sought public opinion on approving D-allose as a new food.