|  | Diet Nutrition | Weight Loss

Xylitol Sweetener Information

Xylitol has grown in popularity as a natural sugar substitute. Many products such as candy, gum and even natural toothpaste include xylitol. It offers benefits in the areas of dental health, blood sugar management and treatment of nasal and sinus infections.

  1. Definition

    • Xylitol occurs naturally in a variety of plants including mushrooms, berries, cauliflower and plums. Carbohydrate metabolism in humans also produces some xylitol. Xylitol is as sweet as sugar but contains only 2.4 calories per gram as compared to the 4 calories in a gram of sugar.

    Commercial Production

    • The primary sources for xylitol production are corn cobs and hardwood trees such as birch. A multistep process breaks down the plant fibers, separates out the xylan molecule and removes water to create crystalline xylitol.

    Cautions

    • Xylitol can cause seizures, liver failure and other problems in pets. Always keep xylitol and products containing xylitol away from pets.

    Uses

    • Xylitol has been approved for use in several dozen countries. Many candies, gums, mouthwashes, toothpastes, vitamins and cough drops include xylitol for its sweetening effect or health benefits.

    Dental Benefits

    • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows companies to claim on the label that products containing xylitol do not promote tooth decay. Xylitol inhibits growth of the bacteria that cause cavities, and the California Dental Association reports that it can reduce transmission of the bacteria from pregnant women to newborns.

    Other Health Effects

    • A group of Finnish researchers reported in the British Medical Journal (Nov. 9, 1996) that chewing xylitol gum can reduce the incidence of ear infections in children. Xylitol consumption can lead to diarrhea in some people, and for some individuals missing the enzyme that digests xylitol, a diabetes test may incorrectly indicate diabetes.

Weight Loss - Related Articles