In discussions about what we should eat or not eat, and how much or how little, one of the few points that everyone seems to agree on is that we should limit the amount of sugar we consume in foods and beverages.
There is still controversy around how much sugar is safe or appropriate, but none of the research indicates that more is better.
Food manufacturers have responded to this by creating low-sugar or sugar-free versions of many of their products, without sacrificing sweet flavor.
This calls for an increase in substances that taste sweet but don't act like sugar.
Sugar alcohols fit that description exactly.
They are carbohydrates with varying degrees of sweetness that are not absorbed the same way as regular table sugar (sucrose) in the body.
This means they provide less calories than sugar and have less of an impact on blood sugar levels.
Another benefit is that the bacteria in our mouths can't metabolize them; the bacterial breakdown of sugar produces acids that lead to tooth decay, but sugar alcohols are not metabolized this way and so do not promote dental cavities.
Unfortunately for some, the consequences of consuming sugar alcohols may outweigh the benefits.
Since they are poorly absorbed, any leftover portion remains in the gut where it can be fermented by bacteria.
This can result in abdominal bloating and excess gas in some individuals.
Sugar alcohols also hold extra water in the bowels, which can have a laxative effect and cause diarrhea for some.
Generally sugar alcohols are the ingredients on processed food labels that end in the letters "itol", such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol, but they go by other names as well, such as isomalt and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates.
They are also found naturally in common plant foods; examples are sorbitol in apples and xylitol in strawberries.
In addition to processed and natural foods, sugar alcohols are added to non-food substances that you might use or ingest regularly, from chewing gum to toothpaste to chewable vitamins.
Do you need to be concerned about these common carbohydrates? Maybe, but only you can be the judge.
If you frequently experience abdominal bloating, gas, or diarrhea, and you also regularly consume foods or products that contain sugar alcohols, then they may be contributing to your symptoms.
Otherwise, there is no reason to worry about them.
Sugar alcohols are not inherently "unhealthy", but for those who are sensitive to them, experimenting with the types and amounts consumed may bring some relief! (C) 2013 Dawn Oulton