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Xylitol
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Introduction
In today’s health conscious world, substitutes for sugar are in high
demand. Xylitol is a unique sweetener that is classified as a sugar
alcohol. It is structurally similar to sugar, found in a variety of
fruits and vegetables and is naturally produced in the human body.
Xylitol differs from other sugar alcohols, as it is the only such
compound with the same sweetness intensity as table sugar. Consequently,
it is the only sweetener than can be substituted for sugar without other
additives.
Xylitol also has many unique health benefits. Xylitol induces a
minimal insulin response and is safe for diabetics and desirable in low
glycemic load food products. Xylitol has been proven to fight bacteria
and reduces the incidence of dental cavities, sinus infection and skin
conditions. Additionally, Xylitol consumption produces an increase in
calcium absorption and bone strength.
Unlike many artificial sweeteners, Xylitol can be used in
applications that require high temperature, such as baking and
pasteurization. This, coupled with sweetness that is the same as table
sugar, teaspoon for teaspoon, results in the easy replacement of table
sugar with Xylitol in most food applications.
Current Uses
Currently, Xylitol is used as a sweetener in anti-cavity chewing gum and
dental products. Cadbury-Schweppes, makers of Trident®, most recently
reformulated their products and invested in a substantial Xylitol
marketing program. Since 2005, the US Military has included Xylitol
products in their rations (MREs) and at their on-base grocery stores as
part of their “Look for Xylitol First” campaign for dental health.
Xylitol is also used in dietetic foods, pharmaceutical preparations and
in cosmetics. It is even used in Total Parenteral Nutrition (intravenous
nutrition). Xylitol lacks table sugar’s negative attributes and has
several positive characteristics that have been repeatedly shown to
increase human health in many regards.
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