Re: Alcohol Sugars

[Guest guest]

Shirley,

I read your question and then I saw this in a group that I'm a member of about

the South Beach Diet. So, here's what that said:

From http://forums.delphiforums.com/southbeachbuds/messages?msg=322.1

" Copied from King5 report.

Sugar alcohols, or polyols, are a phenomenon of the low carb craze that is

rampant in the United States. Sugar alcohols are chemically alcohols, but are

derived from sugar molecules. They are a carbohydrate, but according to the Food

and Drug Administration, sugar alcohols have a very small impact on blood sugar

levels and insulin release in the body.

Some examples of sugar alcohols, include sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol,

lactitol, maltitol and others. They vary in their sweetness, ranging from about

half as sweet as sugar to about as sweet. Products that contain these sugar

alcohols are actually permitted to be labeled " sugar-free, " " safe for

diabetics, " and " does not promote tooth decay " . Polyols are digested and

metabolized more slowly than table sugar (sucrose) and other simple

carbohydrates. They are incompletely absorbed from the small intestine into the

blood and as a result, they have a lesser impact on blood glucose levels. Some

of the polyol that is not absorbed into the blood is broken down into fatty

acids in the large intestine.

Sugar alcohols do contain calories, about three-fourths as many as sugar.

Since they are incompletely absorbed by the intestine, over-consumption may

produce a laxative effect in some people. Sugar alcohols can also act as

" trigger foods, " causing carbohydrate cravings or binges. Don't be fooled into

thinking that sugar alcohols are your answer to weight loss either. There is

some evidence to suggest that products containing polyols may actually defer

weight loss efforts.

Sugar alcohols may make it possible for many people to stay on a

low-carbohydrate diet without officially " cheating. " But be cautious of possible

adverse effects. Remember, they could stimulate cravings and, when consumed in

excess, sugar alcohols are likely to lead to gastric distress. "

Hope this helps some.

~Jen

" Can anyone explain to me about the alcohol sugars. I see this on food products

that say they have low net carbs. I haven't had a chance to discuss this with

my dietician. "

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the information, Jen.

Shirley

> Shirley,

>

[Guest guest]

THey left out one major detail about these foods with sugar alcohols. They are

completely TASTE FREE! none whatsoever. and do I get laxative efffect, oh yes I

do. Just one bite and I am off to the races. Gastric distress 101. or 100000001.

This article is right on the info, that is what I know of them too. Not too many

dieticians that I spoke to gave me any significant more info then this. I just

dont like them and all them sugar free chocolates, ice creams, candies,

coookies, are sweetened with this yucky thing. I wish they would just use

splenda, aspartame, fructose, Acesuflame K, and other alternatives. Some have 3

of these as well as sorbitol. I dont know why. I wish they would stick with only

one sweetner insead of a 100 of them in one product.

Jen Nipps wrote:

Shirley,

I read your question and then I saw this in a group that I'm a member of about

the South Beach Diet. So, here's what that said:

From http://forums.delphiforums.com/southbeachbuds/messages?msg=322.1

" Copied from King5 report.

Sugar alcohols, or polyols, are a phenomenon of the low carb craze that is

rampant in the United States. Sugar alcohols are chemically alcohols, but are

derived from sugar molecules. They are a carbohydrate, but according to the Food

and Drug Administration, sugar alcohols have a very small impact on blood sugar

levels and insulin release in the body.

Some examples of sugar alcohols, include sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol,

lactitol, maltitol and others. They vary in their sweetness, ranging from about

half as sweet as sugar to about as sweet. Products that contain these sugar

alcohols are actually permitted to be labeled " sugar-free, " " safe for

diabetics, " and " does not promote tooth decay " . Polyols are digested and

metabolized more slowly than table sugar (sucrose) and other simple

carbohydrates. They are incompletely absorbed from the small intestine into the

blood and as a result, they have a lesser impact on blood glucose levels. Some

of the polyol that is not absorbed into the blood is broken down into fatty

acids in the large intestine.

Sugar alcohols do contain calories, about three-fourths as many as sugar.

Since they are incompletely absorbed by the intestine, over-consumption may

produce a laxative effect in some people. Sugar alcohols can also act as

" trigger foods, " causing carbohydrate cravings or binges. Don't be fooled into

thinking that sugar alcohols are your answer to weight loss either. There is

some evidence to suggest that products containing polyols may actually defer

weight loss efforts.

Sugar alcohols may make it possible for many people to stay on a

low-carbohydrate diet without officially " cheating. " But be cautious of possible

adverse effects. Remember, they could stimulate cravings and, when consumed in

excess, sugar alcohols are likely to lead to gastric distress. "

Hope this helps some.

~Jen

" Can anyone explain to me about the alcohol sugars. I see this on food products

that say they have low net carbs. I haven't had a chance to discuss this with

my dietician. "