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.
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.
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.
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.
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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!
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 😬