sugar alcohols include sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol
 

Does anyone no much about sugar alcohols like erythritol sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol.

They are in so many low carb foods. I know you subtract them from the total carb count but do they have any health concerns?

Well, some of them can make you poop your pants! :o

:lol: Seriously, gastric distress is the number one issue associated with the consumption of sugar alcohols.

Originally Posted by SoulBliss:
:lol: Seriously, gastric distress is the number one issue associated with the consumption of sugar alcohols.

wow sounds fun :/

Originally Posted by Vates:
I know you subtract them from the total carb count but do they have any health concerns?

This is a very contraversal issue. The American Diabetic Assoc. has recommended carbs for sugar alcohols be considered (and not deducted from the total carb count) as having a 50% impact on blood sugar. Personally, when I figure net carbs for any food, I only deduct fiber. And, SoulBliss is totally correct, all those sugar alcohols you mentioned do definitely cause gastric distress.

Personally, during the induction phase of atkins, I just stay away from all packaged foods as a whole [excluding diet coke, but I'm trying to stop! LOL]. I figure why risk it? Besides, I work and attend school; bloating and nonstop gas isn't very appealing.

Here's some info on artificial sweetners.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/show...07&postcount=6
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/show...01&postcount=4

FAQ - http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37873

I avoid sugar alcohols for the reason that SoulBliss mentioned.

Originally Posted by regime89:
Personally, during the induction phase of atkins, I just stay away from all packaged foods as a whole [excluding diet coke, but I'm trying to stop! LOL]. I figure why risk it? Besides, I work and attend school; bloating and nonstop gas isn't very appealing.

If you absolutely cannot rid yourself of the diet cokes (I have one on occasion myself), try the splenda sweetened ones instead of the aspartame sweetened ones. In a world of nasty vile things we put in our bodies, it's the lesser of the 2 evils (IMO).

Originally Posted by JerseyGyrl:
I found a very interesting site concerning Atkins bars, sugar alcohols, net carbs, fiber etc. Its an eye-opener. Check it out!
http://www.phlaunt.com/lowcarb/19059967.php

Yowzers !!!! wish we could save this some where. Great article Kim.

.

I ignore "net carbs" completely because it's just too easy to get duped into thinking you're doing better than you really are. I count total carbs only and have a minimum fiber goal per day as well.

I've used erythritol in some stuff (bought a bag of it at Whole Foods), and it has not caused any tummy issues. Treats with other sugar alcohols have made me sick in the past, though. I'm glad that article confirms that erythritol is one of the best sugar alcohols (lowet GI and fewest side effects).

I agree that erithritol is a kinder, gentler sugar alcohol.

Does anyone remember the Hershey OneCarb Chocolate bars. They were sweetened with erithritol and we the BOMB!! I complain to Hershey every chance that I get for discontinuing them.

The new ZSweet sweetners are made with erithritol. I bought a bag and use it half and half with Splenda for cooking. I got some of the packets too and they're just not cutting it for sweetening my tea. I have to use about 3 packets where I only need 1 Splenda.

They have a nice sugar granular consistency though. They would be great to sprinkle on cookies or strawberries or grapefruit or mix with cinnamon.