Xylitol is a low-calorie sweetener used as a substitute for sugar. It is a white crystalline powder classified as a sugar alcohol and is made in Finland through a chemical process in which birch wood fibers are treated with acid, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Xylitol is a safe sugar alternative that has health and dental benefits. It is commonly used in chewing gum, candies and as a sugar substitute in beverages.
Nutrition
Xylitol has 2.4 calories per gram versus 4 per gram calories for sugar. It has 6.25g of carbohydrates per gram and does not have any vitamins or minerals. Xylitol is not a sugar but an alcohol sugar and is much sweeter than sorbitol. It is similar to sucrose in its nutritional and chemical properties, according to Xylitol.org.
Taste
Xylitol has the same sweetness as sugar with no aftertaste, which is common with many sugar substitutes, according to the Xylitolinfo.com website. It also is frequently used in mint- and citrus-flavored chewing gums because of the cooling sensation of Xylitol when it dissolves in the mouth.
Health Benefits
According to the USDA, Xylitol has the same sweetening power as sugar, but with only one-third of the calories. People with diabetes prefer this sugar alternative because it is processed in the body without using insulin and, as opposed to sugar, it is slowly absorbed by the body and does not cause rapid blood sugar increase. According to Xylitolinfo.com, Xylitol is effective in preventing otitis media (ear infections) when used in syrup or chewing gum. Xylitol is a natural occurring substance found in fruits, hardwoods, corn cobs and mushrooms. Less than 15g of Xylitol is needed to prevent tooth decay, according to Xylitol.org. If taken in excessive amounts, Xylitol can cause diarrhea.
Dental
According to Xylitol.org, Xylitol greatly reduces tooth decay by stopping it in its tracks and even reversing existing tooth damage. It also reduces plaque formation and resists fermentation by oral bacteria.
Price
As of December 2009, Xylitol costs about $3 per pound, which makes it more expensive than sugar. According to the USDA, new technologies are in the works to drive down production costs.
Xylitol in Commercial Products
Xylitol is used in many low-calorie commercial food products, toothpastes, mouthwashes and even in pharmaceutical drugs, according to Xylitolinfo.com.
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