Sugar Alcohols Part 1

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>

> Sugar Alcohols

> by Doreen

>

> ALL ABOUT SUGAR ALCOHOLS (MALTITOL, SORBITOL, ISOMALT , etc..)

> These sweeteners are neither sugars, nor alcohols, but they are

> carbohydrates nonetheless. They are sometimes called POLYOLS, to avoid

> confusion. At the present time, they have not been legally classified

> for product labelling purposes, as are sugars, starch and fiber. So,

> some manufacturers are choosing to omit them from the total carb count

> in the nutrient data panel of the label (they MUST however declare the

> amount of sugar alcohol in the ingredient list). Because they aren't

> actually SUGAR, products that contain them may use the term " sugar free "

> on the label. Some manufacturers and distributors (esp. in Canada and

> Europe) are choosing to declare the full carbs in the nutrient data

> panel, and some diabetes associations and consumer groups are pressuring

> for gov't legislation to make this a legal requirement.

> There are some claims that sugar alcohols don't have carbs, and

> therefore don't count; that they can be completely subtracted if listed

> on the label. This statement is not entirely " false " but it is

> misleading. Sugar alcohols do have carbs, and approx. 1/2 to 3/4 the

> calories of regular sugar. They are more slowly and incompletely

> absorbed from the small intestine than sugar, thus producing a much

> smaller and slower rise in blood sugar ... and consequently insulin. But

> this is a YMMV thing. Some Type 1 diabetics have reported that they

> sense an immediate " sugar rush " from eating even a small amount. Others

> notice no change, and absolutely no effect on ketosis.

> Sugar alcohols do have carb calories, and the body will use these as

> fuel, or store as fat, whether or not insulin is involved. You need to

> look at the total CALORIES for one serving of the product. Subtract from

> this total the number of calories from any protein in the product (prot

> = 4 cal. per gm), then subtract the calories from any FAT in the product

> (fat = 9 cal. per gm).

>

> What's left is the calories from carbohydrate ... divide this remainder

> by 4 (carbs = 4 cal. per gm). If the number you get is bigger than the

> number of carbs declared on the label, the product has hidden carbs, and

> it's most likely the polyol. Calories do not just disappear into thin

> air!

>

> The " laxative effect " happens for two reasons. First, because the sugar

> alcohols are not completely absorbed, they hold on to a lot of water in

> the bowel. This causes diarrhea. Another consequence is that when

> undigested carbs reach the colon, the normal bacteria present there go

> WILD --- resulting in unpleasant gas, and bloating. Sorbitol and

> mannitol are the worst offenders in this department, maltitol less so.

> The effect is dose-related -- you would be wise to pay attention to the

> serving size listed on the product label. This amount would be

> considered " safe " for the average adult -- make note of this before

> giving to a smaller child! Nothing like watching your kid doubled over

> with cramps and diarrhea because they ate too many " sugar free " sweets.

> To the best of my knowledge, sugar alcohols ARE safe for children, and

> pregnant/nursing mothers ... just keep an eye on the dose.

>