Maltitol: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:34, 13 February 2025

A sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute

Maltitol[edit]

Maltitol is a sugar alcohol (also known as a polyol) used as a sugar substitute. It is commonly used in the food industry due to its sweetness, which is similar to that of sucrose, and its lower caloric content. Maltitol is derived from maltose, a disaccharide, and is produced by the hydrogenation of maltose obtained from starch.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Maltitol is a disaccharide alcohol with the chemical formula C₁₂H₂₄O₁₁. It is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water. The sweetness of maltitol is approximately 75-90% that of sucrose, making it a popular choice for sugar-free and reduced-calorie foods.

Uses[edit]

Maltitol is widely used in the production of sugar-free and "no sugar added" products, including chocolate, candy, baked goods, and ice cream. It is also used in chewing gum and oral hygiene products due to its non-cariogenic properties, meaning it does not contribute to dental caries.

Health Effects[edit]

Maltitol is considered safe for consumption by various health authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, like other sugar alcohols, excessive consumption of maltitol can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and diarrhea, due to its incomplete absorption in the small intestine.

Metabolism[edit]

Maltitol is partially absorbed in the small intestine and metabolized in the liver. The unabsorbed portion is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine, which can lead to the production of gas and other byproducts. The caloric value of maltitol is approximately 2.1 kcal/g, which is lower than that of sucrose (4 kcal/g).

Comparison with Other Sugar Alcohols[edit]

Maltitol is one of several sugar alcohols used as sweeteners, including sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol. Compared to these, maltitol has a sweetness level closer to that of sucrose, but it also has a higher glycemic index, which can affect blood sugar levels more than other sugar alcohols.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Maltitol''' is a sugar alcohol (a polyol) used as a sugar substitute. It has 75–90% of the sweetness of sucrose (table sugar) and nearly identical properties, except for browning. It is used to replace table sugar because it is half as caloric, does not promote tooth decay, and has a somewhat lesser effect on blood glucose. In chemical terms, maltitol is known as 4-O-α-glucopyranosyl-D-sorbitol. It is used in commercial products under trade names such as Lesys, Maltisweet and SweetPearl.
+{{short description|A sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute}}
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Maltitol}}
-==Etymology==
+==Maltitol==
-The term "maltitol" is derived from "maltose" (the sugar obtained from malt) and "-itol," a common ending for sugar alcohols.
+[[File:Maltitol.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of maltitol]]
+Maltitol is a [[sugar alcohol]] (also known as a polyol) used as a sugar substitute. It is commonly used in the food industry due to its sweetness, which is similar to that of [[sucrose]], and its lower caloric content. Maltitol is derived from [[maltose]], a disaccharide, and is produced by the hydrogenation of maltose obtained from [[starch]].
 ==Chemical Properties==
-Maltitol is a member of a family of bulk sweeteners known as polyols or sugar alcohols. It has a chemical formula of C12H24O11. Like other polyols, it does not brown or caramelize as sugars do. Maltitol is very similar to sugar in terms of its physical appearance.
+Maltitol is a disaccharide alcohol with the chemical formula C<sub>12</sub>H<sub>24</sub>O<sub>11</sub>. It is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water. The sweetness of maltitol is approximately 75-90% that of sucrose, making it a popular choice for sugar-free and reduced-calorie foods.
+==Uses==
+Maltitol is widely used in the production of sugar-free and "no sugar added" products, including [[chocolate]], [[candy]], [[baked goods]], and [[ice cream]]. It is also used in [[chewing gum]] and [[oral hygiene]] products due to its non-cariogenic properties, meaning it does not contribute to [[dental caries]].
 ==Health Effects==
-Maltitol is less likely to cause gastric distress than other sugar alcohols because of its unique digestion process. However, overconsumption can lead to bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea. It is considered safe for people with diabetes, but should be included in the daily carbohydrate count.
+Maltitol is considered safe for consumption by various health authorities, including the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) and the [[European Food Safety Authority]] (EFSA). However, like other sugar alcohols, excessive consumption of maltitol can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and diarrhea, due to its incomplete absorption in the small intestine.
-==Uses==
+==Metabolism==
-Maltitol is commonly used in sugar-free and diet products, including chocolates, candies, baked goods, and ice cream. It is also used in non-food items such as mouthwash, toothpaste, and cough syrup.
+Maltitol is partially absorbed in the small intestine and metabolized in the liver. The unabsorbed portion is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine, which can lead to the production of gas and other byproducts. The caloric value of maltitol is approximately 2.1 kcal/g, which is lower than that of sucrose (4 kcal/g).
+==Comparison with Other Sugar Alcohols==
+Maltitol is one of several sugar alcohols used as sweeteners, including [[sorbitol]], [[xylitol]], and [[erythritol]]. Compared to these, maltitol has a sweetness level closer to that of sucrose, but it also has a higher glycemic index, which can affect blood sugar levels more than other sugar alcohols.
-==See Also==
+==Related pages==
-* [[Sugar substitute]]
 * [[Sugar alcohol]]
-* [[Polyol]]
+* [[Sucrose]]
-* [[Maltose]]
+* [[Artificial sweetener]]
+* [[Glycemic index]]
-==References==
-<references />
-[[Category:Food additives]]
 [[Category:Sugar alcohols]]
 [[Category:Sugar substitutes]]
-{{stub}}