SeD’s Global BioLife develops modified low-calorie sugar

Singapore eDevelopment’s (SeD) biomedical division Global BioLife has developed Laetose as a low-calorie, low glycemic index, and natural alternative to sugar.

Laetose is developed by Global BioLife Scientific Initiatives director Daryl Thompson to contain a 30% to 50% lower calorie-count compared to regular sugar.

It is also said to reduce inflammatory reactions by decreasing glucose absorption rates in the body.

Thompson said: “In this day and age, we should be exploring ways to make smarter foods. Our Laetose modified sugar has been designed specifically for this purpose.”

The product has been developed to address growing demand for safe and affordable sugar alternatives. Excess consumption of refined sugar is associated with increasing incidence of diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.

In addition to the food industry, the firm intends to provide its new sugar as an alternative to natural-based and artificial sweeteners in beverage sector.

For the development, manufacture, and distribution of Laetose, Global BioLife has partnered with US-based candy maker Quality Candy.

Quality Candy chief revenue officer Jim Gist said: “Quality Candy has been on a quest for over a decade, looking for a natural sugar substitute.

“This product is finally the breakthrough our industry needed to improve existing reduced-calorie and sugar-free products and help consumers around the world live a healthier lifestyle.”