D-Tagatose is a stereoisomer of D-fructose which is poorly absorbed in the
small intestine and may, therefore, have potential as a reduced calorie bul
k sweetener. However, one of the major limitations is the use of malabsorbe
d sugars is that their consumption may be associated with gastric discomfor
t. This is due to the osmotic impact of the sugar molecules remaining in th
e gut lumen for a prolonged period. We have performed a series of studies i
n which gastrointestinal symptoms have been recorded after the consumption
of 29 or 30 g of D-tagatose. Nausea and diarrhea were reported with an inci
dence of 15.1 and 31.5%, respectively, in 73 healthy young male subjects in
a screening study. Increased flatulence after D-tagatose was frequently re
ported in all the studies and the flatulence did not decline during a 15-da
y period with intake of 30 g in one dose daily. In most cases, symptoms wer
e reported as light or moderate, However, the results suggest that 30 g tak
en at one time may be above the dose which should be recommended for ordina
ry use. (C) 1999 Academic Press.