Wed, Oct 15, 2008
Patient Financial Coordinator Construction ROR Construction Residential Framing Carpenters Customer Service LA Z BOY CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES Health Care PATIENT COORDINATOR Health Care Children's Pulmonary Specialist MA/Peds Specailty Ofc Trades/Construction CIMETTA ENGINEERING WELDERS Sales and Marketing Everready Glass Glass Sales NationQ&A on the NewsCOX NEWS SERVICE
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 12.23.2005
Question: I sometimes see references to sugar and sugar alcohol on the list of ingredients on food packages. What is sugar alcohol?
Answer: Sugar alcohols are a type of sugar replacer referred to as polyols, said Chris Rosenbloom, associate dean in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Georgia State University.
Polyol is a chemical name for sugars that are not well absorbed by the body, she explained. They're often used in sugar-free products or those claiming to have "zero" or "low" carbs.
Common sugar alcohols are xylitol (found in chewing gum) and sorbitol (candies, baked goods, jellies and jams). They have some calories, but because they're slowly digested and not well absorbed, they have about 2.5 calories per gram, compared to sugar with 4 calories per gram.
The only side effect, from very high doses (about 50 grams a day), is a laxative effect, Rosenbloom said.
● Have a question about the news? Colin Bessonette will try to get an answer. Call 1-404-222-2002 or e-mail him at q&a@ajc.com. Please include your name and hometown.
|
|
0 Comments on this story