What Should We Know About Xylitol?

Xylitol is a sweetener found in many fruits and vegetables and is even produced by the human body during its normal metabolism of glucose. Xylitol is typically manufactured from birch trees or other natural xylan-rich sources

In scientific studies over more than 30 years, dental researchers have pointed to a naturally occurring sweetener, Xylitol, as a key ingredient in the fight against tooth decay. Found in natural sources, such as fruits and vegetables, Xylitol is a familiar sweetener in sugar-free products such as chewing gum. Xylitol not only adds a pleasant taste, but also reduces the incidence of tooth decay.

Xylitol has the same sweetness and bulk as sucrose with 40% less calories and no aftertaste. In fact, Xylitol is the sweetest of all bulk sugar substitutes. Plus, it has a very pleasant cooling sensation when it dissolves in the mouth making Xylitol a great partner in applications with mint and citrus flavors.

Xylitol is widely approved for use in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in many countries around the world. Current Xylitol products include chewing gum and other confectionery, pharmaceuticals (syrups and chewable tablets), oral hygiene products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes, and dietetic and diabetic foods.

Xylitol is a low-glycemic sweetener and is metabolized independently of insulin.  Xylitol does not cause the sharp increase in blood sugar level or the associated serum insulin response, which is usually seen following consumption of other carbohydrates.   Thus, Xylitol can be recommended as a sugar-free sweetener suitable for diabetics as well as for the general population seeking a healthier lifestyle.


How is it made?

Xylitol is made from xylose in a three-phase hydrogenation process. High hydrogen pressures and relatively high temperatures are used. Whereas xylitol is from a natural source, the unnatural process in which it is converted from xylose adds concern to some.

Xylitol is from the sugar alcohol family (polyol) which consumed in high quantity may cause a laxative effect in certain individuals. Of all the known polyols, the only sugar alcohol shown to not cause a laxative effect is erythritol, made from fermentation, which has the highest level of tolerability and digestibility of all the sugar alcohols and has not shown to cause a laxative effect.

For more information about Xylitol, visit www.xylitolinfo.com