Maltose (Grain Sugar)
What is maltose?
Maltose is one of many different types of sugar regularly found in foods. It's most often found in larger quantities in grains.
How much is too much?
Use the Disaccharide Checker to estimate the level and type of sugars in foods commonly consumed in New Zealand.What is maltase?
Maltase is the name of one enzyme which helps speed up digestion of maltose (the sugar). Maltase is released when Sucrase-Isomaltase splits in two during part of the digestive process.Alternative names for maltase include:
Enzyme Commission Primary Name:
- α-glucosidase
Enzyme Commission Synonyms:
- maltase
- glucoinvertase
- glucosidosucrase
- maltase-glucoamylase
- α-glucopyranosidase
- glucosidoinvertase
- α-D-glucosidase
- α-glucoside hydrolase
- α-1,4-glucosidase
Why are maltose levels of food important?
When the amount of maltose consumed exceeds the capacity to digest it, symptoms begin to occur. Some people have no capacity to digest maltose at all, while others retain a reduced capacity.
Replacement enzymes can be consumed in capsule form. These enzymes may be very useful, or problematic. Some people are unable to safely digest the fructose and/or glucose which are generated when taking these enzymes. Further, supplements are expensive, or very expensive especially in some regions. They also may be unavailable in some regions