A new randomised controlled trial, conducted by Gaylor et al,ⁱⁱ demonstrates that BENEO’s Palatinose^™ slow and sustained release carbohydrate improves aspects of sleep when consumed as a bedtime drink. By leading to more balanced blood glucose levels, particularly during the first half of the night, Palatinose^™ may support a longer deep sleep phase and thus restful sleep.¹ Based on this research, there is now even more evidence to show that Palatinose^™ provides a range of benefits beyond metabolic health.

Various studies worldwide have shown the prevalence of insomnia in 10 % – 30 % of the population, some even as high as 50 % – 60 %.ⁱⁱⁱ As poor sleep quality is known to be a risk factor for obesity, impaired glucose metabolism and dementia, insomnia is a major public health issue. With this in mind, the findings of Gaylor et al are of key importance, as they demonstrate that the right choice of carbohydrate can positively impact a person’s sleep and mental wellbeing.

The study was designed to explore the effect of Palatinose^™ (isomaltulose), compared to glucose, on a person’s sleep. Using a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, the study was undertaken with 20 healthy young men, with a mean age of 24 years. The participants’ blood glucose was monitored continuously, and their sleep characteristic metrics were monitored in a laboratory setting using polysomnography and actigraphy.² One week after an acclimatisation night in the laboratory setting, half of the men were given 50 g of isomaltulose, while the other half received 50 g of glucose, dissolved in a 300 ml drink of water. A further week later, the participants who had had a glucose drink, received one with Palatinose^™ and vice versa. The format for all three visits to the laboratory was: all participants ate a standardised evening meal, and later viewed a series of neutral, positive and negative stories, then 15 minutes before bedtime, at approximately 11pm, the drinks were consumed. In the morning, story recall was tested.

The results showed that the participants who consumed the bedtime drink containing Palatinose^™ had a slower and more sustained release of glucose to their blood, preventing dips in blood sugar levels – particularly during the first half of the night. In addition, those who consumed the drink with Palatinose^™ during the second intervention had an extended deep sleep phase by an average of 22 minutes. This is because more balanced blood glucose levels promote deeper sleep and fewer periods of wakefulness. A better memory for neutral story content was also observed when Palatinose^™ was consumed as the second intervention.^iv

Commenting on the findings, Dr Stephan Theis, Head of Nutrition Sciences and Communication at BENEO, says: “These findings are significant, as deep or slow-wave sleep is important for physical recovery and cognitive health. By supporting balanced blood sugar levels and prolonging the deep sleep phase, Palatinose^™ may improve restful sleep and a person’s overall well-being. Its ability to sustain blood sugar levels overnight may also have far-reaching implications for dietary interventions, targeting sleep disorders and cognitive decline.”

BENEO’s Palatinose^™ (isomaltulose) is a naturally sourced, smart carbohydrate that provides full carbohydrate energy (4 kcal/g) in a more balanced way, thanks to its low-glycaemic profile. Being a sugar, Palatinose^™ has the physiology of a complex carbohydrate though, as it is slowly absorbed. Palatinose^™ is produced by the enzymatic rearrangement of the glycosidic bond between glucose and fructose in sucrose. As a result, it has slow-release properties and is non-cariogenic. It is also 100% vegan, kosher, halal, and non-GMO.

¹Palatinose^™ helps prevent counterreactions that interrupt sleep. That is because having more balanced blood glucose levels during the night has been shown to deactivate neurons that promote the release of hormones such as adrenalin or cortisol,.
²Polysomnography (PSG) is a multi-parameter type of sleep study and a diagnostic tool in sleep medicine. Actigraphy is a non-invasive method of monitoring human rest/activity cycles.
ⁱGaylor C. M. et al (2024); Low and High Glycemic Index Drinks Differentially Affect Sleep Polysomnography and Memory Consolidation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrition Research. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027153172400157X?via%3Dihub (Online since 04/12/2024)
ⁱⁱGaylor C. M. et al (2024); Low and High Glycemic Index Drinks Differentially Affect Sleep Polysomnography and Memory Consolidation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrition Research. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027153172400157X?via%3Dihub (Online since 04/12/2024)
ⁱⁱⁱBhaskar S, Hemavathy D, Prasad S. Prevalence of chronic insomnia in adult patients and its correlation with medical comorbidities. J Family Med Prim Care. 2016 Oct-Dec;5(4):780-784. doi: 10.4103/2249-4863.201153. PMID: 28348990; PMCID: PMC5353813.
^ivThe data indicates that a time for acclimatisation at the study setup was required.

A recent survey shows that more and more people are concerned about their mental health: 53 % of respondents report anxiety, 33 % struggle with fatigue and exhaustion and 30 % are affected by depression (Innova Trends Survey 2024). Awareness of the connection between nutrition and well-being is clearly reflected in the attitudes of consumers. Worldwide, 43 % of them stated that they had started eating a healthy diet in 2023 to improve their mental or emotional well-being (Innova Lifestyles and Attitudes Survey 2023). More and more manufacturers of food supplements and functional beverages are picking up on this consumer behavior.

Minerals and vitamins for a powerful brain

Many micronutrients support mental and emotional well-being, cognitive performance and sleep quality. Fortification with significant amounts of vitamins and minerals allows for the advertisement of these properties in the form of health claims under the Food Information Regulation (EU) No. 1169 / 2011. In addition, consumers are showing an increasing interest in other functional ingredients such as nootropics and adaptogens, which contribute to improving cognitive performance and stress management.

“Numerous research results indicate that micronutrients in the form of dietary supplements can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood and sleep,” says Clarissa Burk, Product Manager at SternVitamin. “Our micronutrient premixes simplify the development of new end products that meet the growing consumer demand for solutions in these areas. They are guided by current nutritional and lifestyle trends and can be customised to our customers’ product parameters and production processes.”

Inspiration for the development of new products

An overview of which micronutrients and functional ingredients support mental well-being and cognitive performance can be found in the SternVitamin white paper “Healthy mood. Healthy mind. Healthy sleep.” In addition to consumer data and market trends, scientific background information provides valuable insights for the development of new products.

The premix solutions presented in the white paper are also informed by this knowledge and consist of blends of micronutrients and other functional ingredients tailored to various facets of mental health. These can be used in the production of various end products that meet the growing needs of consumers. For example, the SternMind premix solution for instant beverages supports mental health, reduces symptoms of mental stress and promotes positive thinking. It contains a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals as well as L-theanine, and can be supplemented with other ingredients such as Rhodiola rosea and Panax ginseng.

Download the whitepaper here.