Sugar alcohol: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:41, 15 February 2025

Overview of sugar alcohols

Overview[edit]

Sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, are a class of carbohydrates that are used as sweeteners and bulking agents. They are commonly found in a variety of food products, including sugar-free candies, chewing gum, and baked goods. Unlike regular sugars, sugar alcohols are not fully absorbed by the body, which results in a lower caloric content and a reduced impact on blood glucose levels.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Sugar alcohols are characterized by their chemical structure, which includes multiple hydroxyl (OH) groups. This structure is similar to that of sugars, but with an alcohol group replacing the aldehyde or ketone group typically found in sugars. The presence of these hydroxyl groups gives sugar alcohols their sweet taste and hygroscopic properties.

Common Types[edit]

There are several types of sugar alcohols, each with unique properties and uses:

Erythritol: A sugar alcohol with about 60-70% of the sweetness of sucrose. It is almost non-caloric and does not affect blood sugar levels, making it a popular choice for low-calorie and diabetic-friendly products.
Xylitol: Known for its dental benefits, xylitol is often used in sugar-free gum and toothpaste. It has about the same sweetness as sucrose but with fewer calories.
Sorbitol: Commonly used in sugar-free candies and as a humectant in cosmetics. It is less sweet than sucrose and has a cooling effect in the mouth.
Mannitol: Used as a sweetener and a diuretic in medical settings. It is less sweet than sucrose and has a low glycemic index.

Health Effects[edit]

Sugar alcohols are generally considered safe for consumption, but they can cause digestive issues in some individuals, especially when consumed in large amounts. This is because they are not completely absorbed in the small intestine and can ferment in the large intestine, leading to gas and bloating.

Uses in Food Industry[edit]

Sugar alcohols are widely used in the food industry due to their ability to provide sweetness without the calories of sugar. They are also used to improve the texture and shelf life of products. In addition to their use in sugar-free and reduced-calorie products, sugar alcohols are also used in pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Sugar alcohol''', also known as '''polyol''', is a type of carbohydrate that resembles both sugar and alcohol, though it is neither in the true chemical sense. Sugar alcohols are organic compounds, typically derived from sugars, that comprise a class of polyhydric alcohols. They are commonly used in the food industry as sweeteners and bulking agents. Unlike artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols have calories, but they are lower in calories than regular sugar, making them a popular choice in [[low-calorie diet|low-calorie]] and [[sugar-free diet|sugar-free]] products.
+{{short description|Overview of sugar alcohols}}
+{{other uses}}
-==Types of Sugar Alcohols==
+== Overview ==
-Several types of sugar alcohols are used in food manufacturing, including:
+[[File:Erythritol_structure.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of erythritol, a common sugar alcohol.]]
-* [[Xylitol]], which is derived from birch wood or corn, and has a sweetness equal to that of sugar.
+Sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, are a class of [[carbohydrates]] that are used as sweeteners and bulking agents. They are commonly found in a variety of food products, including sugar-free candies, chewing gum, and baked goods. Unlike regular sugars, sugar alcohols are not fully absorbed by the body, which results in a lower caloric content and a reduced impact on blood [[glucose]] levels.
-* [[Erythritol]], which is about 70% as sweet as sugar and has almost no calories.
-* [[Sorbitol]], which is derived from glucose and is about 60% as sweet as sugar.
-* [[Mannitol]], which is derived from mannose and is about 50% as sweet as sugar.
-* [[Lactitol]], [[Maltitol]], and [[Isomalt]], which are derived from lactose, maltose, and sucrose respectively, and have varying degrees of sweetness.
-==Health Benefits and Risks==
+== Chemical Structure ==
-Sugar alcohols are often marketed as healthier alternatives to sugar because they can provide the sweetness without the high caloric content. They do not contribute to tooth decay, as they are not metabolized by oral bacteria, making them tooth-friendly. Additionally, they have a lower glycemic index than sugar, which means they cause a slower rise in blood glucose levels, beneficial for individuals with [[diabetes]].
+Sugar alcohols are characterized by their chemical structure, which includes multiple hydroxyl (OH) groups. This structure is similar to that of sugars, but with an alcohol group replacing the aldehyde or ketone group typically found in sugars. The presence of these hydroxyl groups gives sugar alcohols their sweet taste and hygroscopic properties.
-However, consuming large amounts of sugar alcohols can lead to digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, because they are not fully absorbed by the body and ferment in the large intestine. This is particularly true for sorbitol and mannitol.
+== Common Types ==
+There are several types of sugar alcohols, each with unique properties and uses:
-==Uses in Food==
+* '''[[Erythritol]]''': A sugar alcohol with about 60-70% of the sweetness of sucrose. It is almost non-caloric and does not affect blood sugar levels, making it a popular choice for low-calorie and diabetic-friendly products.
-Sugar alcohols are used in a wide range of food products, including:
+* '''[[Xylitol]]''': Known for its dental benefits, xylitol is often used in sugar-free gum and toothpaste. It has about the same sweetness as sucrose but with fewer calories.
-* Sugar-free and low-sugar candies, chocolates, and chewing gums
+* '''[[Sorbitol]]''': Commonly used in sugar-free candies and as a humectant in cosmetics. It is less sweet than sucrose and has a cooling effect in the mouth.
-* Sugar-free ice cream and desserts
+* '''[[Mannitol]]''': Used as a sweetener and a diuretic in medical settings. It is less sweet than sucrose and has a low glycemic index.
-* Low-calorie and sugar-free baked goods
-* Sugar-free cough syrups and lozenges
-==Regulation and Labeling==
+== Health Effects ==
-In many countries, food products containing sugar alcohols must be labeled accordingly. The [[Food and Drug Administration (FDA)]] in the United States requires that products claiming to be "sugar-free" or "no added sugar" must not contain sugar or any ingredient that contains sugar, except for sugar alcohols.
+Sugar alcohols are generally considered safe for consumption, but they can cause digestive issues in some individuals, especially when consumed in large amounts. This is because they are not completely absorbed in the small intestine and can ferment in the large intestine, leading to gas and bloating.
-==Conclusion==
+== Uses in Food Industry ==
-Sugar alcohols offer a sweetening option for those looking to reduce caloric intake or manage blood sugar levels. However, it is important to consume them in moderation to avoid potential digestive discomfort. As with any dietary change, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist to determine what is best for your individual health needs.
+Sugar alcohols are widely used in the food industry due to their ability to provide sweetness without the calories of sugar. They are also used to improve the texture and shelf life of products. In addition to their use in sugar-free and reduced-calorie products, sugar alcohols are also used in pharmaceuticals and personal care products.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Artificial sweetener]]
+* [[Low-carbohydrate diet]]
+* [[Diabetes management]]
+* [[Glycemic index]]
+[[Category:Sugar substitutes]]
 [[Category:Carbohydrates]]
-[[Category:Food additives]]
-[[Category:Sugar substitutes]]
-{{Nutrition-stub}}