Turku sugar studies II. Preliminary biochemical and general findings

Abstract

The application of a strict xylitol (X) diet maintained the plaque level approximately 50 per cent lower during the first year when compared with sucrose (S) of fructose (F) consumption. X-consumption decreased the specific activity of salivary invertase-like enzymes when compared to F- or S-consumption after the first 7–8 months' of diet. F-intake led to a lower enzyme activity than S-intake. Dextranase activity of the supernatant fluid of whole saliva was not changed by the consumption of either S, F or X, but a lower activity was observed in the plaque extracellular phase in the xylitol group when compared to other test groups. The amount of reducing sugars and the activity of aminopeptidase-like enzymes in the supernatant fluid of whole saliva were not changed significantly during the first 7–8 months' phase. The concentration of lactate in the plaque extracellular phase was noticeably lower in the X-group than in the two other groups, but the activity of β-galactosidase was elevated in this compartment in the X-group. The average monthly sugar intakes were: S, 2.4 kg; F, 2.3 kg; X, 1.6 kg. No differences in the weight of the test persons were observed

Key Words:

• Carbohydrates
• sucrose
• fructose
• xylitol
• nutrition
• dietetics
• enzymes
• saliva
• dental plaque