Sugar alcohols can be used as sweeteners to replace dietary sugars, such as sucrose and corn sweeteners. The sugar alcohols-xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol-have fewer calories than sugar and slightly increase blood glucose and insulin levels. Sugar alcohols are not calorie free (1.5-3 kcal/gram) but they are metabolized to glucose more slowly.
Sugar alcohols are found in many foods labeled "sugarless," "sugar free" or "no sugar," but they are still carbohydrates and supply calories. Examples of products containing sugar alcohols include dietetic candies, cookies, chewing gums, soft drinks, and throat lozenges. Eating too much of any of these can cause gas and diarrhea. Sugar alcohols do not promote tooth decay. They are absorbed more slowly than sugars, which may also be the reason they can have a laxative effect.
In small amounts, sugar alcohols are safe for diabetics so they are marketed to this audience. Even though sugar alcohols may affect blood sugar differently, it is important to remember that they do cause an effect.
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