ABSTRACT
Contents Introduction .............................................................................................................................198 Process .................................................................................................................................... 200
Chemical Pathway .............................................................................................................. 200 Enzymatic Pathway ............................................................................................................. 200
Production of Tagatose from D-Galactose ...................................................................... 200 Enzyme ............................................................................................................................... 203
Toxicology and Regulatory Aspects .......................................................................................... 206 Gastrointestinal Fate of D-tagatose .......................................................................................... 206
Absorption in the Small Intestine ........................................................................................ 206 Excretion of D-tagatose in Urine ........................................................................................ 207 Metabolism ......................................................................................................................... 207 Fermentation ...................................................................................................................... 207
Use of D-tagatose Based on Biological Properties .................................................................... 208 Caloric Value of D-tagatose ................................................................................................ 209 D-tagatose and Diabetes ..................................................................................................... 209
No Rise in the Glycemic Index ....................................................................................... 209 Glucose Blunting ........................................................................................................... 209
Tooth-Friendly Properties of D-tagatose ..............................................................................210 Prebiotic Properties of D-tagatose ........................................................................................211 Human Tolerance ................................................................................................................214
Physical Properties ....................................................................................................................214 Sweetness .............................................................................................................................214 Flavor Enhancer ...................................................................................................................214 Crystal Form........................................................................................................................215 Hygroscopicity .....................................................................................................................215
