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Taste for Life Magazine, Braddock Ray, October 1, 2009

With a chemical structure that partially resembles sugar and is similar in some ways to alcohol, sugar alcohols are approximately 50 to 90 percent as sweet as refined sugar. Whether known as polyols or sugar alcohols, this class of carbohydrates has been scoring points with researchers of late. "Of all the sugar alcohols, xylitol is a natural standout," says nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS. It's naturally occurring in many plants (most fruits, vegetables including corncobs, and wood) and is also produced in the body. Research has examined xylitol's unusual five- carbon structure (as opposed to six carbons in other sugar alcohols) and its effectiveness for diabetes, obesity, and upper respiratory issues.
 
Finnish research following children in daycare-many of whom had histories of repeated ear infections-has shown that chewing xylitol gum cut the incidence of infections by about half.

LOOK, NO CAVITIES? This sugar alcohol is best known, though, for its benefits in oral health. In addition to reducing cavities and bacteria, xylitol prevents plaque from sticking to enamel. How does it do this? Streptococcus mutans bacteria that cause cavities are unable to utilize xylitol to grow. "Over time, xylitol weakens the harmful germs... and the result is less acid, less plaque, fewer cavities, and healthier teeth and gums," explains John Peldyak, DMD.

Because these bacteria are passed from mother to newborn, regular use ofxylitol during pregnancy appears to confer benefits on infants. This may mean fewer cavities when baby teeth come in, according to the California Dental Association.

Whether used in chewing gums, lozenges, or oral syrups, xylitol has proven effective in preventing early childhood cavities while supporting oral health for all ages. Some research suggests that sugarless products made with another sugar alcohol, sorbitol, don't have the same protective effect as xylitol. But it's not a magic bullet, pediatric dentists add. We still need to eat a healthy whole-foods diet and brush and floss regularly.

OTHER BENEFITS xylitol also appears to fight the major culprits in ear infections: Streptococcus pneumoniae, kissing cousins of the bacteria that cause tooth decay and plaque. Finnish research following children in daycare-many of whom had histories of repeated ear infections-has shown that chewing xylitol gum cut the incidence of infections by about half.

Xylitol spray can be used four times a day in each nostril to fight respiratory bacteria. Since 90 percent of all infection-causing bacteria enter the body through the nose, "clearing these breathing passages may be the most effective way to prevent upper respiratory infection,” explains Lon Jones, DO.

Ideal for anyone with diabetes, xylitol has 40 percent fewer calories and a glycemic index considerably lower than that of sugar, which raises blood glucose and insulin levels much more dramatically. Given the American Heart Association's recent guidelines on sugar intake, xylitol makes a useful alternative. It's interchangeable with sugar in cakes and cookies, hot drinks, or added to cereal But xylitol doesn't crystallize, nor can it be used to make bread or other baked goods using yeast, which can't metabolize this sugar alcohol.

Just don't consume too much. Using xylitol in place of sugar requires a brief period of adjustment to build up tolerance- Though much less so dm sorbitol, xylitol has the potential to cause diarrhea and gas in sensitive individuals-especially if large quantities are added to the diet suddenly.

Gums and mints labeled "all xylitol" contain about one gram (g) each and can also be used four times a day. A recent dose-response study at the University of Washington suggests that xylitol's effect in oral health plateaus between 6.44 g and 10.32 g xylitol per day.