Yes, The Primary Alternative Name Is Polyols
The most common alternative and scientific name for sugar alcohol is polyol. The term comes from the chemical structure of these compounds, which contain multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups, similar to both sugar and alcohol. It is important to note that despite the name, polyols do not contain ethanol, the intoxicating compound found in alcoholic beverages. They are a type of carbohydrate, though they are digested and absorbed differently than traditional sugars.
What Are Polyols?
Polyols occur naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as berries, apples, plums, and mushrooms, but are also produced commercially for use in processed foods. Manufacturers often add them to foods labeled "sugar-free" or "no sugar added" to provide a sweet taste without the calories or blood sugar impact of regular sugar. While they taste sweet, they generally provide fewer calories per gram because they are not completely absorbed by the body.
Common Examples of Sugar Alcohols/Polyols
Several specific compounds fall under the umbrella of sugar alcohols or polyols. Each has unique characteristics in terms of sweetness, caloric value, and potential effects on digestion.
- Erythritol: Found naturally in some fruits and fermented foods. It is about 60–80% as sweet as sugar and has almost no calories because it is highly absorbed and excreted mostly unchanged in the urine, leading to fewer digestive side effects than other polyols.
- Xylitol: Found in many fruits and vegetables, and is extracted commercially from birch trees and corn cobs. It is as sweet as sugar and provides about 60% of the calories. Xylitol is known for its dental health benefits as oral bacteria cannot metabolize it.
- Sorbitol: Found naturally in many stone fruits like apples and pears. It is about 50-70% as sweet as sugar and is often used in sugar-free gums and candies. It is more likely to cause digestive issues than erythritol when consumed in excess.
- Maltitol: Derived from maltose and has about 75-90% the sweetness of sugar. It provides a creamy texture to products and is commonly used in chocolates and baked goods.
- Lactitol: Derived from lactose and is 30-40% as sweet as sugar. Its taste and solubility profile are similar to sugar, making it suitable for sugar-free ice cream and confections.
- Mannitol: Found in marine algae and mushrooms, and is 50-70% as sweet as sugar. It is heat-stable and has low hygroscopicity, making it a good coating for hard candies.
- Isomalt: Made from sucrose and is 45-65% as sweet as sugar. It doesn't lose sweetness during heating, making it ideal for hard candies and lozenges.
The Role of Polyols in Food and Health
Polyols serve several functional purposes beyond just providing sweetness. They add bulk and texture, retain moisture, and can even prevent foods from browning during heating. For those managing diabetes or following low-carb diets, they are a valuable tool because they are absorbed slowly, causing a less significant rise in blood glucose and insulin levels compared to sugar. A key benefit for dental health is that the bacteria in the mouth do not ferment most polyols into acids, which helps prevent tooth decay.
However, the incomplete absorption that makes polyols beneficial for calorie control is also the source of their most common drawback. When consumed in large quantities, unabsorbed polyols ferment in the large intestine, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including bloating, gas, and a laxative effect. This is particularly true for sensitive individuals or those with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The amount tolerated varies widely between individuals and specific polyols.
Polyols vs. Artificial Sweeteners
It's important to distinguish sugar alcohols (polyols) from high-intensity artificial sweeteners. While both are used as sugar substitutes, they are fundamentally different.
| Feature | Polyols (Sugar Alcohols) | Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Aspartame, Sucralose) |
|---|---|---|
| Caloric Value | Low (approx. 0.2-3 kcal/g) | Zero calories |
| Effect on Blood Sugar | Minimal to low impact due to slow absorption | No effect on blood sugar |
| Carbohydrate Content | Considered a type of carbohydrate | Not carbohydrates |
| Taste Profile | Similar to sugar, can have a cooling sensation | Often much sweeter than sugar, can have an aftertaste |
| Digestive Effects | Can cause bloating, gas, and laxative effect in large amounts | Typically no digestive effects, but some individuals may have sensitivities |
| Dental Health | Beneficial; do not cause tooth decay | Do not promote tooth decay |
A Note on Reading Food Labels
Identifying sugar alcohols can be straightforward but requires careful label reading. Products labeled "sugar-free" or "no added sugar" are likely to contain polyols. The Nutrition Facts panel will list the total grams of sugar alcohols beneath the total carbohydrates. If only one type of polyol is used, its specific name (e.g., maltitol or erythritol) might be listed. For those monitoring their intake, calculating "net carbs" sometimes involves subtracting sugar alcohol grams from total carbs, but this can be imprecise as different polyols are absorbed differently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most common alternative name for sugar alcohol is polyol. This term is used interchangeably in both scientific and food industry contexts. Knowing the names of specific polyols like erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol allows consumers to make more informed choices about the sweeteners they consume. While they offer benefits such as reduced calories and dental health protection, their potential for gastrointestinal side effects means moderation is key for some individuals. By understanding what these sweeteners are, what they are called, and how they behave in the body, consumers can better manage their dietary needs and preferences.
Authoritative Source on Sugar Alcohols
For additional information and guidance on sugar alcohols, including their use for diabetes management, you can consult resources from the American Diabetes Association.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Alcohols
How are sugar alcohols made?
Sugar alcohols are produced industrially by a process called hydrogenation, which adds hydrogen to sugar molecules. While they can occur naturally, commercial production from common sugars allows for large-scale use as sweeteners.
Do sugar alcohols affect blood sugar levels?
Yes, but to a lesser extent than regular sugar. They are digested and absorbed more slowly, resulting in a smaller rise in blood glucose and insulin levels, which is why they are often used in products for individuals with diabetes.
Can sugar alcohols cause bloating and gas?
Yes, consuming excessive amounts of sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Since they are not fully absorbed in the small intestine, they ferment in the large intestine, causing gas and abdominal discomfort.
Why do sugar alcohols have fewer calories than sugar?
Sugar alcohols have fewer calories because the body does not fully absorb or metabolize them. The incomplete absorption means fewer calories are available for the body to use, resulting in a lower caloric load.
Are all sugar alcohols the same?
No, different sugar alcohols have varying properties, including sweetness, caloric value, and potential for causing digestive distress. For example, erythritol is almost calorie-free and less likely to cause digestive issues, whereas sorbitol and maltitol have more calories and a higher potential for side effects.
Do sugar alcohols promote tooth decay?
No, sugar alcohols generally do not promote tooth decay. Unlike regular sugar, they are not metabolized by the bacteria in the mouth that produce decay-causing acids, making them a dental-friendly alternative.
Is it safe to consume sugar alcohols daily?
For most people, sugar alcohols are safe when consumed in moderation. However, due to the potential for digestive side effects, health organizations often recommend limiting daily intake to avoid discomfort. Individuals with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare professional.
