Sugar alcohol is a kind of alcohol prepared from sugars. These organic compounds are a class of polyols, also called polyhydric alcohol, polyalcohol, orglycitol. They are white, water-soluble solids that occur naturally and are used widely in the food industry as thickeners and sweeteners. Unlike sugars, sugar alcohols do not contribute to the formation of tooth cavities.
Sugar and sugar alcohols are each considered nutritive sweeteners because they provide calories when consumed. Sugar alcohols, contain fewer calories than sugar. Sugar provides 4 kcal/gram, and sugar alcohols provide an average of 2 kcal/gram.
Watch for sugar alcohols with names that end in -ol, such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and maltitol. These sweeteners are chemically related to alcohol, but they have no alcoholic effects. They are carbohydrates that are converted to ordinary sugar during digestion. Almost every “sugar Free” gum has them 🙁 I am a a big Gumholic…I love Gums!!!
Sugar alcohols are used in many products labeled as “low carb,” “low sugar” or “sugar free.” But don’t be fooled. Sugar alcohols have calories and will raise your blood glucose level. In addition, many low-carb foods that are sweetened with sugar alcohols are high in fat, and large quantities of sugar alcohols often cause diarrhea. :/
Common side effects of sugar alcohol consumption include bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
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