What is Sugar Alcohol in Supplements? Benefits, Risks, and Common Types

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Over half of U.S. adults consume dietary supplements, many of which utilize sugar alcohol as a low-calorie sweetener to improve palatability. Understanding what is sugar alcohol in supplements is key for managing your calorie intake, blood sugar levels, and potential digestive discomfort.

Quick Summary

Sugar alcohols, or polyols, are common low-calorie sweeteners in many nutritional supplements, tasting sweet but having fewer calories than sugar. They are only partially absorbed, resulting in a lower glycemic response, but can cause digestive upset if consumed excessively.

Key Points

Low-Calorie Sweeteners: Sugar alcohols, or polyols, are common, low-calorie additives in supplements, used to provide sweetness and bulk with fewer calories than sugar.
Incomplete Absorption: They are only partially absorbed in the small intestine, which minimizes their caloric and glycemic impact compared to sugar.
Dental Health Benefits: Some sugar alcohols, like xylitol, prevent tooth decay by inhibiting the growth of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth.
Potential Digestive Issues: Consuming large quantities of polyols can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including gas, bloating, and a laxative effect.
Varied Glycemic Response: Not all polyols are equal; erythritol has a GI of 0, while maltitol has a higher GI, making it important for diabetics to check the specific type.
Emerging Health Concerns: Recent observational studies suggest a possible link between high levels of certain polyols (erythritol, xylitol) and cardiovascular risk, especially for those with existing risk factors.
Toxicity to Pets: Xylitol is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs, requiring careful storage of supplements containing this ingredient.

What Exactly is Sugar Alcohol?

Sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, are carbohydrates used as low-calorie sweeteners and bulking agents in many supplements and foods labeled 'sugar-free'. They differ from sugar chemically and in how the body processes them. Unlike sucrose (4 calories/gram), sugar alcohols are partially absorbed, providing fewer calories (0-3 calories/gram) and a smaller impact on blood glucose. Unabsorbed polyols ferment in the large intestine.

Why are Sugar Alcohols Added to Supplements?

Sugar alcohols are added to supplements primarily to enhance taste and texture while keeping sugar content low. They provide sweetness in products like protein powders.

Calorie Control: They help reduce the caloric density of products.
Glycemic Response: Their lower impact on blood sugar makes them suitable for low-carb or diabetic-friendly supplements.
Dental Health: Oral bacteria don't ferment sugar alcohols, preventing acid production leading to tooth decay. Some, like xylitol, benefit dental health.
Bulking and Texture: They add volume and a smoother consistency.
Moisture Control: They help retain moisture, improving shelf life and palatability.

Common Sugar Alcohols Found in Supplements

Different sugar alcohols are used, varying in sweetness, calories, and digestive tolerance.

Erythritol: Offers almost zero calories and is well-tolerated digestively, as most is absorbed in the small intestine. It has a clean, less sweet taste than sugar.
Xylitol: As sweet as sugar with fewer calories and proven dental benefits, but can cause digestive upset in large amounts.
Sorbitol: Found naturally in fruits, about 60% as sweet as sugar. Used as a sweetener and humectant, known for potential digestive issues.
Maltitol: Similar sweetness to sugar, common in sugar-free sweets. Has a higher glycemic impact and can cause digestive discomfort.
Mannitol: Less sweet, used as a bulking agent. Low glycemic index but can have a laxative effect.

Benefits and Risks of Sugar Alcohols in Supplements

It's important to consider both the benefits and risks of supplements containing sugar alcohols.

Benefits

Improved Blood Sugar Management: They can help satisfy sweet cravings without the significant blood sugar spikes associated with regular sugar.
Dental Protection: Sugar alcohols don't contribute to tooth decay; some, like xylitol, inhibit bacterial growth.
Reduced Calorie Intake: They lower the caloric density of supplements.
Potential Prebiotic Effects: Some unabsorbed polyols, like maltitol, may support gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria.

Risks and Side Effects

Gastrointestinal Distress: Gas, bloating, and diarrhea are common, especially with excessive intake, due to fermentation in the gut.
Cardiovascular Concerns: Some studies suggest a link between high levels of certain polyols (erythritol, xylitol) and increased cardiovascular risk, requiring more research and caution for those with existing risk factors.
Confusion with Carbs: 'Sugar-free' products still contain carbs from sugar alcohols. The American Diabetes Association recommends counting half of the sugar alcohol grams as carbs if over 5g are present.
Toxicity to Pets: Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can cause fatal hypoglycemia. Keep supplements with xylitol away from pets.

Comparison of Common Sugar Alcohols


Feature	Erythritol	Xylitol	Sorbitol	Maltitol
Calorie Value (kcal/g)	~0.2	2.4	2.6	2.1
Sweetness (vs. Sugar)	60–70%	100%	60%	75–90%
Glycemic Index (GI)	0	13	9	35
Digestive Tolerance	Very high	Moderate, laxative at high doses	Lower, laxative at lower doses	Lower, can cause GI issues
Key Uses	Beverages, keto products, low-cal baking	Gum, mints, dental products	Sugar-free foods, humectant	Sugar-free candy, chocolates

How to Check for Sugar Alcohols on Supplement Labels

Look for ingredients ending in '-ol' on the label, such as erythritol, xylitol, or maltitol. Some products may list 'Sugar Alcohol' on the nutrition panel, but checking the full ingredients is the most reliable method. Remember that glycemic impact varies among polyols, so the specific type and amount are important, especially for blood sugar management.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Sugar alcohols are a common, low-calorie sweetener in supplements, offering benefits for dental health and blood sugar control. However, potential digestive issues and emerging cardiovascular risk data mean moderation and careful selection are crucial. Reading labels and understanding the different types are key to using supplements with sugar alcohols safely.

For more information on sugar alcohols and diabetes, see this review from the National Institutes of Health: Suitability of sugar alcohols as antidiabetic supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is in how the body processes them. While sugar is fully absorbed and provides 4 kcal/g, sugar alcohols are only partially absorbed, offering fewer calories (0-3 kcal/g) and a smaller effect on blood sugar levels.

Yes, sugar alcohols are generally considered safe for people with diabetes when consumed in moderation. Their lower glycemic impact makes them a popular alternative to sugar, but it is important to count their carbohydrate content as it can still affect blood glucose.

Erythritol is generally the best-tolerated sugar alcohol. It is mostly absorbed in the small intestine and excreted through urine, leaving very little to be fermented by gut bacteria, which reduces the chance of gas and bloating.

Not necessarily. A product may use other non-caloric or high-intensity sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Always check the ingredients list for polyols or a specific 'Sugar Alcohol' line on the nutrition label.

Yes, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Pet owners must exercise extreme caution and keep all products containing xylitol out of their pet's reach.

The laxative effect is dose-dependent. To minimize it, introduce sugar alcohols gradually into your diet, start with smaller doses, and opt for products with better-tolerated polyols like erythritol.

Recent observational studies have shown an association between higher blood erythritol levels and cardiovascular events, but more research is needed to establish a causal link. If you have heart disease risk factors, it is wise to discuss your intake with a healthcare provider and limit consumption.