Effect of L-Arabinose on Blood Glucose

     L-arabinose is an inhibitor of sucrase, the enzyme that breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose in the small intestine. As a result, L-arabinose can delay sucrose digestion and has been commercialized as a sweetener with blood glucose-lowering benefits.

    One study investigated the suppression of blood glucose levels by L-arabinose in 21 healthy volunteers. Sucrose (40 g) was ingested with or without L-arabinose (2 g), then blood glucose values were measured, which returned to steady-state conditions within 2 hours. Volunteers were then given 90 g of commercial adzuki bean jelly containing 40 g sucrose as the sucrose load, and blood glucose values were measured again (1).

    Blood glucose values measured 2 hours after sucrose was given with L-arabinose were significantly lower than those measured when L-arabinose was not given (Δ change in maximum value: with L-arabinose, 53.8 ± 19.7 mg/dL; without L-arabinose, 65.0 ± 17.7 mg/dL). These results showed that L-arabinose could lower human blood glucose (1).

    In a double-blind, randomized crossover study, blood glucose kinetics following ingestion of a 200-ml drink containing 50 g of sucrose with 7·5 g of L-arabinose or without L-arabinose (control group) were assessed in twelve young, healthy participants (24 ± 1 years; 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 (2).

    Peak glucose concentrations reached 8·18 ± 0·29 mmol/l for the control group 30 minutes after ingestion. In contrast, the postprandial rise in plasma glucose was attenuated for the L-arabinose group, because peak glucose concentrations reached 6·62 ± 0·18 mmol/l only 60 minutes after ingestion. The rate of exogenous glucose appearance for the L-arabinose group was 67 and 57 % lower compared with the control group at 15 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively, whereas it was 214 % higher at 150 minutes, indicating a more stable absorption of exogenous glucose for L-arabinose group compared with the control group. Total glucose disappearance during the first hour was lower for the L-arabinose group compared with the control group (11 ± 1 v. 17 ± 1 g, p < 0·0001). Endogenous glucose production was not differentially affected at any time point (p = 0·27) (2).

    This study showed that co-ingestion of L-arabinose with sucrose delayed sucrose digestion, resulting in a slower absorption of sucrose-derived glucose without causing adverse effects in young, healthy adults. Dietary interventions to delay carbohydrate digestion or absorption can effectively prevent hyperglycemia in the early postprandial phase (2).

    Another study investigated the dose-response effects of l-arabinose on glucose tolerance, appetite, and energy intake in humans. In the human studies, 15 healthy men participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Sucrose beverages (75 g in 300 mL) supplemented with 0%, 1.3%, 2.7%, and 4% by weight of L-arabinose were tested at breakfast. Blood for the measurement of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, incretin hormones, and triacylglycerol was collected under fasting conditions and for 3 hours postprandially. Postprandial appetite sensations and energy intake at lunch were registered (3).

    Supplementation with 4% L-arabinose produced an 11% lower glucose peak, a 33% lower and delayed insulin peak, a 23% reduction in the incremental area under the curve (AUC) for insulin, a 23% lower and delayed C-peptide peak, a 9% reduction in the AUC for C-peptide, a 53% increase in the AUC for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and a 28% reduction in the AUC for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. No effects on triacylglycerol, gastrointestinal symptoms, appetite ratings, or energy intake were observed. This study showed that 4% L-arabinose in sucrose beverages reduced postprandial glucose, insulin, and C-peptide responses and enhanced the GLP-1 response in humans without gastrointestinal adverse effects (3).

    These studies supported the claim that L-arabinose could lower blood glucose in humans.

References:

1. Shibanuma K, Degawa Y, Houda K. Determination of the transient period of the EIS complex and investigation of the suppression of blood glucose levels by L-arabinose in healthy adults. Eur J Nutr. 2011 Sep;50(6):447-53. doi: 10.1007/s00394-010-0154-3. Epub 2010 Dec 17. PMID: 21165628.

2. Pasmans K, Meex RCR, Trommelen J, Senden JMG, Vaughan EE, van Loon LJC, Blaak EE. L-arabinose co-ingestion delays glucose absorption derived from sucrose in healthy men and women: a double-blind, randomised crossover trial. Br J Nutr. 2022 Sep 28;128(6):1072-1081. doi: 10.1017/S0007114521004153. Epub 2021 Oct 18. PMID: 34657640; PMCID: PMC9381304.

3. Krog-Mikkelsen I, Hels O, Tetens I, Holst JJ, Andersen JR, Bukhave K. The effects of L-arabinose on intestinal sucrase activity: dose-response studies in vitro and in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Aug;94(2):472-8. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.014225. Epub 2011 Jun 15. PMID: 21677059.