What it is: Xylitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) naturally present in small amounts in fruits and vegetables and typically produced from birch trees or corn for commercial use.
What it does: Xylitol provides a sweet flavor with about 40% fewer calories than sugar and does not cause significant spikes in blood sugar or insulin. It also inhibits the growth of oral bacteria linked to cavities.
How it is used: Xylitol is commonly found in dental health supplements such as sugar-free chewing gum or mints, as well as in sugar-free and low-calorie foods, to promote oral health and for calorie reduction.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Trace amounts of xylitol occur naturally in berries, plums, oats, mushrooms, and lettuce. In supplements, it is usually found as a powder, granule, or in chewable and lozenge forms.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Supplement makers use xylitol to provide sweetness without sugar, support dental health, and improve supplement flavor without adding significant calories or impacting blood sugar.
What to know before use: Consuming large quantities of xylitol may cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating or mild laxative effects, especially when first introducing it to your diet.
What it does: Xylitol provides a sweet flavor with about 40% fewer calories than sugar and does not cause significant spikes in blood sugar or insulin. It also inhibits the growth of oral bacteria linked to cavities.
How it is used: Xylitol is commonly found in dental health supplements such as sugar-free chewing gum or mints, as well as in sugar-free and low-calorie foods, to promote oral health and for calorie reduction.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Trace amounts of xylitol occur naturally in berries, plums, oats, mushrooms, and lettuce. In supplements, it is usually found as a powder, granule, or in chewable and lozenge forms.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Supplement makers use xylitol to provide sweetness without sugar, support dental health, and improve supplement flavor without adding significant calories or impacting blood sugar.
What to know before use: Consuming large quantities of xylitol may cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating or mild laxative effects, especially when first introducing it to your diet.
Interesting Fact
Xylitol: Naturally Sweet and Plant-Derived
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries and mushrooms. It is commonly used in supplements and foods as a naturally sweet alternative to sugar, offering a similar sweetness but with fewer calories. Xylitol also occurs naturally in the human body as part of normal metabolism, making it a familiar ingredient for everyday wellness.
