Erythritol, maltitol and sorbitol are sugar alcohols, or polyols, used to replace sugar in some processed foods. Sugar alcohols are not really sugar or alcohols, but their chemical structure resembles a combination of both. They're typically used to sweeten hard candies, chocolates, baked goods, chewing gum, jams, breath mints and cough drops. Polyols have common benefits and side effects.
Dental Health
Polyols are noncariogenic, which means they don't cause cavities in your teeth. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed food manufacturers to use the claim "sugar alcohols do not promote tooth decay" on sugar-free products that contain polyols. According to the Calorie Control Council, the European Food Safety Authority concluded in 2010 that consumption of sugar-free gum sweetened with polyols helps reduce tooth demineralization, neutralizes plaque acids and reduces cavities.
Lower in Calories
Polyols are not completely absorbed by your intestinal tract, so they provide fewer calories than sugar; 1.5 to 3 calories per 1 g. Foods sweetened with polyols can taste sweet, but because they have fewer calories, they may help with weight loss. Foods sweetened with polyols usually have a labels stating they're "sugar-free" or "no sugar added," but you'll have to look at the ingredients list to see which sugar alcohols the product contains. Sugar-free does not mean calorie-free; read labels to find the calories per serving.
Low Glycemic
Consumption of polyols results in small increases in blood sugar and insulin, according to the Calorie Control Council. Diabetics can include foods sweetened with polyols in their diets. According to the American Diabetes Association, you can determine carbohydrate counts in these foods by subtracting half the grams of polyols from the total carbohydrate count shown on the Nutrition Facts label. If you have diabetes, speak to your doctor before consuming polyols.
Negatives
Polyols are safe to consume in moderation, but eating large amounts of foods sweetened with erythritol, maltitol or sorbitol may lead to weight gain and elevated blood sugars, and unpleasant side effects. According information published by Yale-New Haven Hospital, excessive consumption of polyols can cause bloating, diarrhea and may have a laxative effect. Foods sweetened with polyols are also more expensive than similar foods sweetened with sugar.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Sugar Alcohols
- Yale-New Haven Hospital: Eat Any Sugar Alcohol Lately?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Federal Register 61 FR 43433, August 23, 1996 -- Food Labeling: Health Claims; Sugar Alcohols and Dental Caries; August 1996
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; What Clients Need to Know About Sugar Replacers; K. McNutt; April 2000
