There are two main functions of L-arabinose in food and medicine. One is that it can inhibit the enzyme that hydrolyzes disaccharides, thereby inhibiting the increase in blood sugar caused by the intake of sucrose (which is decomposed into glucose and fructose and absorbed under the action of intestinal sucrase); in short, it is the hypoglycemic effect of inhibiting disaccharide hydrolysis. Second, due to the inhibitory effect of L-arabinose on disaccharide hydrolases, the sucrose that is not decomposed in the small intestine is decomposed by microorganisms in the large intestine to produce a large amount of organic acid. This organic acid has an inhibitory effect on the synthesis of fat in the liver. In addition, L-arabinose inhibits the absorption of sucrose in the small intestine, thereby reducing the production of new fat in the body. L-arabinose can be used in combination with sucrose or consumed alone. Adding 3.5% to sucrose can inhibit the absorption of sucrose by the human body by 60-70%, and long-term use can lower blood sugar. Eating L-arabinose alone has the same effect.

Inhibiting the absorption of sucrose

The most representative physiological effect of L-arabinose is to selectively affect the sucrase in the small intestine, thereby inhibiting the absorption of sucrose. It is reported that adding 3.5% L-arabinose to sucrose can inhibit the absorption of sucrose by 60-70%, and also reduce the increase in blood sugar levels by about 50%.

Controlling blood sugar rise

L-arabinose, as a low-calorie sugar, inhibits the increase in blood sugar caused by sucrose intake, so it can inhibit obesity, prevent and treat diseases related to high blood sugar.

Prevent constipation and promote the growth of bifidobacteria

The results of a Japanese study showed that women with constipation tend to add 3% L-arabinose to black tea and other drinks for continuous consumption, and the number of bowel movements per week increased significantly. According to experiments conducted by Sanhe Starch Co., Ltd., the intake of sucrose with 5% arabinose can also effectively promote the growth of bifidobacterium. Tanghetang L-arabinose itself is a sugar that is difficult to be absorbed by the digestive tract, and the part that cannot be used in the body can be excreted in the urine.