[The decomposition of reducing sugars and amines in the Maillard reaction].

Through the Maillard reaction, occurring in food and in the human body, reducing sugars, amino acids and proteins are transformed. Some general and also specific degradation pathways for pentoses, mono- and disaccharides can be defined. The structures of the products are influenced by the type of amine (primary or secondary). During the degradation reactions C-C fissions of the sugars and amino acids (Strecker degradation) can be observed. Some Maillard products are suited as indicator substances to determine the extent of the Maillard reaction.