Isomaltulose (IM) is a naturally occurring disaccharide composed of alpha-1,6-linked glucose and fructose monomers. IM is gaining interest as an alternative sweetener to sucrose primarily because of its low glycaemic index (GI) properties. Low GI has been implicated in the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as cardio-metabolic diseases and cancers. The low glycaemic potential of IM has fuelled the many recent in-vitro, animal and human studies including randomised-controlled trials and cohorts. This review discusses the chemical and physiological properties of IM in relation to its potential health effects, with a focus on its prebiotic properties. Research health findings from existing literature published within the last 10 years were compiled and summarised. The novel applications of products formulated with IM in improving health, cognition and nutrition are highlighted in this review. This review also evaluates the prebiotic potential of IM, an emerging alternative sweetener.

异麦芽酮糖（IM）是由α-1,6-连接的葡萄糖和果糖单体组成的天然二糖。IM由于其低血糖指数（GI）特性而作为蔗糖的替代甜味剂而受到关注。低GI已被认为与预防和管理诸如心血管疾病和癌症等慢性疾病有关。IM的低血糖潜力助长了许多体外试验，动物和人类研究，包括随机对照试验和队列研究。这篇评论讨论了IM与其潜在的健康影响有关的化学和生理特性，重点是其益生元特性。汇总并总结了过去十年中发表的现有文献中的研究健康调查结果。这篇评论着重介绍了用IM配制的产品在改善健康，认知和营养方面的新应用。这篇综述还评估了新兴替代甜味剂IM的益生元潜力。