Maltose

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Maltose is a disaccharide, meaning that it consists of two glucose molecules which are linked together. It is the least common disaccharide found in nature and is also called malt sugar. Though not very commonly found in nature, maltose is readily formed by hydrolysis of starch. This digestion of starch takes place in the gut and requires an enzyme for the breakdown of maltose into two glucose units.

[edit] Alcohol Production

Maltose plays an important role in alcohol production and brewing of beer by a process called malting. Malting is a process where cereal grains are made to partially germinate by soaking them in water. They are then quickly dried before the new plant can be formed. This grain is now called malted grain and can be used to make beer, whiskey and malt vinegar. The malt provides the basis for fermentation and adds flavour to beer.

Barley is the most common malt grain as it develops a high content of the enzyme needed to break down starch into sugars, mainly maltose. This maltose is then fermented by yeast to yield alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide. Other grains besides barley may be fermented, but they do not develop enough enzyme content to convert their starch completely and efficiently into sugars.

[edit] Malted Drinks

Malted milk powder and malt vinegar are two very popular malt products available in the market today. Malted milk is malted barley, wheat flour and whole milk, evaporated into a powder form. This powder can then be mixed with milk or water to make malted drinks. Popular malted drink brands Milo, Horlicks, Ovaltine and Bournvita are available in the market.

Milo is a milk drink made with chocolate and malt and is high in energy. Similarly, Ovaltine is a sweetened milk flavouring product made from malt extract, cocoa and whey. Sugar is generally already added to it and it contains many vitamins and minerals. Bourvita is malted chocolate drink mix and can be had hot or cold. Horlicks is a malted milk drink made from malted barley, wheat and dairy ingredients. It can be just added to milk and enjoyed.

Malted milk-based drinks may be a good source of providing energy with whole milk providing 150 kcal, while malted milk drinks providing 238 kcal in one cup of milk. http://www.annecollins.com/calories/calories-milk.htm

http://www.dietbites.com/CalorieIndexDrinks.html

However, these malted milk drinks can lead to weight gain if consumed on a regular basis. Instead, a wide variety of foods should be eaten each day and these drinks used only to supplement meals and not become a meal replacement.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Herbs-Health-3224/height-weight-muscle-2.htm

Also, energy drinks or milk drinks are perceived as luxury and expendable goods. Promotions play a big role in decision making. The target group is mainly children who coerce parents into purchasing the brand. Brown beverages have always been looked upon as cosmetic and more often than not, with their chocolate taste, the influencers - in this case the mothers have generally used browns to disguise the taste of milk.

Thus, malted milk drinks may be used judiciously, but a wholesome and well balanced diet comprising of a variety of foods including fresh fruits and vegetables will be a healthier option.

[edit] High Maltose Syrup

High maltose syrup is a kind of syrup made from cereal starch, usually corn, which is converted to sugar by the malting process. The major content is maltose and it is used as a sweetener. It is a thick, sticky liquid with the fragrance of malt and is used in candy making and to improve flavour in beverages.

Other high maltose content products include barley malt/barley malt syrup and brown rice malt/brown rice syrup. Barely malt syrup has an earthy flavour and is used in spice cakes, gingerbread, barbecue sauce and is a key ingredient in home brewed beer. It is about half as sweet as refined white sugar. It is higher in complex carbohydrates than other sweeteners and hence, less likely to upset blood sugar levels.

Malt syrup and high energy malt drinks can be obtained at websites such as:

http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgilocal/frameset/detail/403640.html

http://www.malikonline.co.uk/store.php?crn=235