Effect of ingested mannoheptulose in animals and man

The intestinal absorption, blood levels, and urinary excretion of D-manno-heptulose, a 7-carbon keto sugar, was studied in rats, dogs, monkeys and man. Intestinal absorption was clearly demonstrated in all four species, and blood levels and urinary excretion were shown to be related to ingested dose. There was a depression of plasma insulin and the insulogenic index following the administration of mannoheptulose. These findings suggest that MH should be utilized for further studies of the control mechanisms of insulin secretion, and as a potential, oral, therapeutic agent in the treatment of chronic or recurrent hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinism.