Effects and safety of koji amazake: an excessive intake test
2019
Kurahashi, A. (Hakkaisan Brewery Co., Ltd., Minamiuonuma, Niigata (Japan). R&D Department) | Yonei, Y.
Koji amazake, a traditional Japanese sweet drink prepared from rice, contains complex B vitamins and beneficial oligosaccharides; however, its influence on blood sugar levels is concerning because its main ingredient is glucose. Here, a non-control open trial was conducted to elucidate the safety of koji amazake when consumed 3 times more (energy: 379 kcal, carbohydrate: 88.5 g in total) than the usual intake over a 4-week period. The participants were 24 healthy individuals (19 males, 5 females, 52.7 ± 6.1 years) who were hyperglycemic (100-109 mg/dL) or had borderline diabetes (110-125 mg/dL). No adverse effects of koji amazake during the observation period were noted; further, the blood chemistry showed minor changes that were within the reference range. Interestingly, mild hypotensive effects were observed (systolic pressure: -3.6%, diastolic pressure: -5.3%) in the group that consumed koji amazake in excess amounts. Further analysis on food intake revealed that the intake of total calories, particularly carbohydrates, was reduced as a compensatory effect of koji amazake. In conclusion, the excess intake of koji amazake for 4 weeks is safe, causes no major adverse effects, and has a mild hypotensive effect.
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