Xylitol, a sugar-alcohol and commonly used non-nutritive sweetener. Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol that is found in small amounts within some fruits, as well as some vegetables, and can be processed from a part of plant fiber called the xylene.
Because xylitol is a sugar-alcohol it is not zero calories per serving. On average, it is about 8 grams of carbs. However, because it's a sugar-alcohol, not all of those grams of carbohydrates are absorbed. Therefore, it has a very low calorie amount in contrast to many other non-nutritive sweeteners.
Xylitol is not reported to have a bad aftertaste. However, many consumers do want to know about the effects of xylitol on their blood sugars as well as on their digestive system. Xylitol is not reported to have any impact on blood sugar levels. From a digestive health standpoint, xylitol can actually improve digestive health by acting as a soluble fiber and feeding the friendly gut bacteria.
However, overconsumption of sugar-alcohols like xylitol can lead to fermentation by the gut bacteria, as well as pull water into the intestines which can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Long term consumption of xylitol has not been shown to have any detrimental effects on the body. On this note, xylitol has been generally regarded as safe for moderate consumption.
A fun fact about xylitol, it is highly toxic for dogs.
I hope you found this video helpful. And if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
