Lauren Au, RD

Sugar vs. Sugar Alcohols

February 3rd, 2009

Matt wrote on February 3rd, 2009:

“What is the difference between “sugars” and “sugar alcohol” on the nutrition panel of packaged products?”

When I think of sugar alcohols the first thing that comes to mind is gum. Sugar alcohols are neither sugars or alcohols. They are carbohydrates with a chemical structure that closely resembles sugar and alcohol, but do not contain ethanol. They are incompletely absorbed and metabolized by the body, and thus contribute fewer calories than most sugars. Their calorie content ranges from 0-3 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for sucrose or other table sugars (International Food Information Council, 2008).

Commonly used sugar alcohols include: sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, maltitol syrup, and lactitol. They are also used as an ingredient in some diabetic foods as they may help regulate blood glucose levels better.

Lauren

Entry Filed under: General