Tonya Lachey
NaomiIssues associated with some common Sugar Alcohols
March 29th 2008 06:57
Link: www.vitalenatural.com.au
Sorbitol is made from corn syrup and only has half the sweetness of sugar. Sorbitol is less likely to cause intestinal upset than mannitol however is not recommend for diabetics as it is not readily excreted and high levels can contribute to microvasculature damage. Ironically, it is often found in “sugar-free” gums and candy recommended to diabetics. Sorbitol can also cause laxative effects.
Frequently used in chewing gums and hard candy Mannitol is extracted from seaweed for use in food prodution. Less sweet than sugar, more is required to match the relative sweetness of sugar. Mannitol is most likely to cause bloating and have a laxative effect and as such a label warning is often seen to that effect.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol made from a part of birch trees that has been used safely since the 1960s. Despite researching this ingredient, at this stage there are no negative reports of xylitol in humans. In fact the opposite seems to be true with positive effects on tooth decay reduction. Unlike sugar, Sugar alcohols are not acted upon by bacteria in the mouth. Xylitol has been found to inhibit oral bacteria, and is often used in sugarless mints and chewing gums for this reason. Research has shown that regular chewing of gum containing xylitol showed up to 60% reduction in tooth decay when compared to controls. The other positive report for diabetics is reduced blood sugar and insulin responses to xylitol consumption when compared to sugar.
One area for concern with regard to xylitol is its use with animals, specifically at this stage dogs. A recent report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) reported that sugar-free dog treats containing xylitol have caused liver failure and in a small number of instances death 3. Based on this report, it is advisable for pet owners to avoid giving their dogs’ xylitol containing treats.
Foods containing sugar alcohols are increasingly available due to the trend in diet, low carb and diabetic foods. Based on the research completed to write this article sugar alcohols are not without issue. Consumers, particularly diabetics need to keep in mind total daily consumption of sugar alcohols and those experiencing ongoing digestive upset would do well to completely eliminate them from their diets. Of course, sugar alcohols are definitely out for dogs and possibly other pets as well.
Finally, while sugar may be responsible or partially so for many of modern society’s health complaints, it is a natural substance that we have been consuming for thousands of years. While we eat far too much of it, sugar is part of our evolutionary history. On the other hand sugar alcohols have only been used in recent times. The effects of long term use, beneficial or otherwise are not known. As such, moderation is recommended when including sugar alcohols as part of your diet.
Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and holistic skin specialist. Her practice focuses on the treatment of skin conditions and Food As Medicine. Ananda also owns Vitale Natural Skin & Body Care, a natural & organic skin care store in Paddington. www.vitalenatural.com.au
References:
1 American Diabetes Association. Nutrition principles and recommendations in diabetes-Position Statement. Diabetes Care, Jan.2004.
2 Powers M. American Dietetic Association Guide to Eating Right When You Have Diabetes. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons; 2003:130,139
3. Stevens KL. 2007. Dog Watch. Sugar-free treats: a danger? Xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar substitute, isn't safe for your dog. Be careful of feeding him snacks that might contain it. Viewed at Really Long Link on 10th February 2007.
Frequently used in chewing gums and hard candy Mannitol is extracted from seaweed for use in food prodution. Less sweet than sugar, more is required to match the relative sweetness of sugar. Mannitol is most likely to cause bloating and have a laxative effect and as such a label warning is often seen to that effect.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol made from a part of birch trees that has been used safely since the 1960s. Despite researching this ingredient, at this stage there are no negative reports of xylitol in humans. In fact the opposite seems to be true with positive effects on tooth decay reduction. Unlike sugar, Sugar alcohols are not acted upon by bacteria in the mouth. Xylitol has been found to inhibit oral bacteria, and is often used in sugarless mints and chewing gums for this reason. Research has shown that regular chewing of gum containing xylitol showed up to 60% reduction in tooth decay when compared to controls. The other positive report for diabetics is reduced blood sugar and insulin responses to xylitol consumption when compared to sugar.
One area for concern with regard to xylitol is its use with animals, specifically at this stage dogs. A recent report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) reported that sugar-free dog treats containing xylitol have caused liver failure and in a small number of instances death 3. Based on this report, it is advisable for pet owners to avoid giving their dogs’ xylitol containing treats.
Foods containing sugar alcohols are increasingly available due to the trend in diet, low carb and diabetic foods. Based on the research completed to write this article sugar alcohols are not without issue. Consumers, particularly diabetics need to keep in mind total daily consumption of sugar alcohols and those experiencing ongoing digestive upset would do well to completely eliminate them from their diets. Of course, sugar alcohols are definitely out for dogs and possibly other pets as well.
Finally, while sugar may be responsible or partially so for many of modern society’s health complaints, it is a natural substance that we have been consuming for thousands of years. While we eat far too much of it, sugar is part of our evolutionary history. On the other hand sugar alcohols have only been used in recent times. The effects of long term use, beneficial or otherwise are not known. As such, moderation is recommended when including sugar alcohols as part of your diet.
Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and holistic skin specialist. Her practice focuses on the treatment of skin conditions and Food As Medicine. Ananda also owns Vitale Natural Skin & Body Care, a natural & organic skin care store in Paddington. www.vitalenatural.com.au
References:
1 American Diabetes Association. Nutrition principles and recommendations in diabetes-Position Statement. Diabetes Care, Jan.2004.
2 Powers M. American Dietetic Association Guide to Eating Right When You Have Diabetes. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons; 2003:130,139
3. Stevens KL. 2007. Dog Watch. Sugar-free treats: a danger? Xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar substitute, isn't safe for your dog. Be careful of feeding him snacks that might contain it. Viewed at Really Long Link on 10th February 2007.
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