What is "lycasin"

Lycasin is a trade name given by Roquette for hydrogenated glucose syrup ( hydrolysed starch). One of the major components of Lycasin is maltitol, derived from the hydrogenation of maltose. Depending on the dextrose equivalent (DE) of the syrup used in the hydrolysis, a variety of products can be made, with the name "lycasin" normally being reserved for lycasin 80/55 (80 referring to the dry content and 55 to the dextrose equivalent). The other grades (e.g. 75/60 and 80/33) are referred to as Polysorb.

Lycasin's known side effects in adults include bloating, explosive diarrhea, intestinal gurgling or rumbling ( borborygmi), and flatulence. Some cases of severe intestinal distress have been reported from consuming foods containing Lycasin, which led to many humorous reviews of Haribo's Sugarless Gummy Bears.