What is Tagatose?
Tagatose is a sweet simple sugar (monosaccharide), with a very low glycaemic index and low-calorie content. Tagatose does not spike blood sugar or insulin levels.
Tagatose is derived from lactose. However, unlike lactose, tagatose can be tolerated by people with lactose intolerance. Tagatose is also naturally found in breast milk.
Tagatose is very sweet, even sweeter than classic sugar, but has 60-70% fewer calories.
Tagatose at a glance
- Prevents high blood glucose levels, which helps reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease
- Lowers HbA1c blood glucose marker indicative of reduced sugar damages
- Helps slow ageing by suppressing radicals and cell damage
- Has a low-calorie content and fat-burning properties
- Prevents and inhibits insulin resistance
- Prevents tooth decay
- Improves blood fat profile and can increase good cholesterol
- Promotes the growth of good bacteria in the colon
- Suppresses inflammation
What makes Tagatose special
Prevents high blood glucose levels
Has a low-calorie content and fat burning properties
Prevents tooth decay
Tastes even sweeter than classic sugar
Keep blood sugar levels low to prevent severe diseases, like cancer
When tagatose is consumed, a small amount is absorbed in the small intestine, and the remainder is excreted or fermented in the large intestine by good bacteria.
The majority of the tagatose is digested by good bacteria like bifido bacteria in the colon producing the small fatty acid butyrate, which suppresses cancer cells and inflammation.
Classic sugars (sucrose, glucose) can increase the risk of many different diseases. Overconsumption of classic sugar increases our blood glucose levels, raising the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s.
However, Tagatose keeps blood glucose levels stable and significantly lowers the risk of developing severe diseases.
Tagatose avoids and regulates blood sugar level rises, making it difficult for cancer cells to obtain sufficient glucose from the blood. This weakens the cancer cells and can help make chemo- and radiotherapy more effective.
“Consumption of drinks containing tagatose instead of sugar induces a lower blood glucose rise compared to sugar-containing drinks.”
Help with Weight-loss
Poor diet and obesity can increase the risk of many health problems, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
But following a strict diet can be frustrating and stressful and not necessarily achieve the desired results.
Tagatose acts as a ‘sugar blocker’ by preventing increased blood glucose levels and inhibiting insulin production after carbohydrate consumption. Consuming strategic amounts of tagatose daily has been shown to support weight loss and stabilise blood glucose levels.
A study confirmed that 45g of tagatose per day could lead to a weight loss of 5.1kg per year. The dose used in the study was 45g (3 x 15g), and we recommend no more than 70g of tagatose per day.
Another recent study also demonstrated that insulin leads to the first steps of cell division and DNA duplication in fat cells. As a result, the fat cells produce substances causing inflammation, organ dysfunction, and premature ageing. Therefore, high levels of insulin cause a very negative effect on fat cells. Tagatose helps prevent inflammation, organ dysfunction and premature ageing due to the absence or low effect of insulin increase in the blood.
Tagatose slows the uptake of other sugars, which decreases the overall glycaemic index and improves blood fat levels.
This means tagatose mobilises the breakdown of fat, which helps you lose weight.
Tagatose can protect your teeth – instead of causing cavities
Sometimes our teeth feel furry after eating or drinking something sugary. This is triggered by plaque, which contains acid-causing bacteria which attack tooth enamel and cause decay.
Tagatose is a healthier alternative that provides sweetness without harming our teeth.
Tagatose prevents fermentation to lactic acid and helps preserve minerals that keep teeth strong. Bacteria can’t convert tagatose to the acids that attack the tooth enamel. Research demonstrates that tagatose could even prevent and remove dental plaque.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed the dental benefits of consuming tagatose.
“Consumption of drinks containing tagatose instead of sugar contributes to the maintenance of tooth mineralization.”
Slow the ageing process
What we eat affects how we age and how quickly we age. When classic sugar reacts with proteins and other cell components, it causes Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs). This chemical reaction damages the cells, so they eventually start to show signs of wear and tear. Consuming too much classic sugar leads to loss of elasticity and sagging skin.
Consuming tagatose regularly can slow the build-up of advanced glycation end products (AGES) and inhibit high blood glucose levels that promote premature ageing.
Low-calorie Sugar?
As of October 2016, EFSA officially adopted tagatose as a reduced calorie sugar, with an energy content of 2.8 kcal per gram. The actual calorie content may be even lower. In the USA, the calorie content is 1.5 kcal.
Tagatose:
UK Calorie content: 2.8kcal per gram
US Calorie content: 1.5kcal per gram
Classic Sugar:
Calorie content: 4kcal per gram
Recipes
Explore our fantastic recipes containing Tagatose!
We recommend adding Tagatose to hot or cold beverages, yoghurt, desserts, ice cream, cakes and dressings to promote a stable glucose level, healthy colon and weight loss.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tagatose safe?
Is Tagatose good for diabetics?
Is Tagatose safe for cancer patients?
Is Tagatose healthy?
What is Tagatose made from?
Tagatose is derived from lactose. However, unlike lactose, tagatose can be tolerated by people with lactose intolerance. Tagatose is also naturally found in breast milk.
Is Tagatose keto friendly?
Where can I buy Tagatose?
The best way to incorporate tagatose into your diet is by using Dr Coy’s sugar mixtures. These mixtures have been scientifically developed to help lead a healthier lifestyle. Discover the full range of Dr Coy’s sugar mixtures from our partners.
Does Tagatose raise blood sugar levels?
No. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed tagatose provides the health benefit of stable blood glucose levels.
Research & Resources
- Removal and prevention of dental plaque with d-tagatoseThe International Journal of Cosmetic Science published a study on removing and preventing dental plaque with tagatose.
- Tagatose as a Potential Nutraceutical: Production, Properties, Biological Roles, and Applications
Researchers have reviewed the future possibilities of using Tagatose as a nutraceutical.
Further studies:
This study tested the dietary effect of the consumption of tagatose in type 2 diabetes and its ability to be a functional food for diabetics.
“Recent studies indicate that tagatose has low glycemic index, a potent hypoglycemic effect, and eventually could be associated with important benefits for the treatment of obesity. The authors concluded that D-tag is promising as a sweetener without major adverse effects observed in these clinical studies.”
D-Tagatose Is a Promising Sweetener to Control Glycaemia: A New Functional Food