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Is IMO Keto?

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FACT CHECKED
  Published on April 21st, 2020
  Reading time: 2 minutes
  Last modified January 21st, 2023
imo keto

What is IMO?

IMO, isomaltooligosaccharide is a short-chain carbohydrate that is included in many “low-carb” or “keto” products and is listed as a fiber.  IMOs can be made in several ways, but they are primarily derived from a sugar called maltose. IMO is promoted as a prebiotic fiber with a light sweetness profile. Its functional properties (i.e., moisture retention, low viscosity) make it well-suited for nutrition bars, cookies, candies, and the like.

How is IMO metabolized?

IMO is composed of short-chain oligosaccharides. It is ultimately metabolized into small amounts of glucose and maltose and thus should be viewed as a slow-digesting carbohydrate rather than a true fiber.

Does IMO spike blood glucose levels?

The glycemic index of IMO is very low, however, it has been shown to be nearly completely digested (83 % or more) by enzymes on the small intestinal border. Thus, IMOs should not necessarily be classified as a true fiber but rather as a low glycemic carbohydrate like steel-cut oatmeal, at about 3.3 calories per gram.

Is IMO Keto?

Based on the current research IMOs should not be classified as a “true fiber.” Rather, IMOs should be viewed as a very low glycemic carbohydrate source, much like steel-cut oats. In essence, if you see a low-carb snack that has 20 grams of IMO fiber, it is likely that approximately 16 grams of this fiber will act as a slow-digesting carb, and four grams will act as an indigestible fiber. Those who are on a ketogenic diet should be aware of these fibers and proceed with caution when consuming them in large amounts, as they could raise both blood glucose and insulin levels.

 

 

is IMO keto?

 

Want to learn more about IMO and Keto?

Check out our full article here

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Discussion

  1. Reija says:

    I came here to justify my findings. 100 grammes of delicious soft sugarfree candy raised blood sugar to 9,1(sorry for the European measurements). I am not “active” diabetic (yet) and trying to keep blood sugar in check. So do yourself a favor and check what impact different food choices make To You!

    1. Tonya Holmes says:

      My sons a type 1 diabetic . He goes up like a rocket being launched into outer space when eating imo candies. Agree they’re probably low gi as takes a while for the impending evil to happen . But sure enough it does . Was confused how to inject insulin for it . Will try with the above 16 carbs out of 20 and see how we go. Juice at the ready of course in case that’s not right 😬

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