Foods - A-Z X is for Xylitol

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Xylitol is a sugar substitute and food additive that is classified as a sugar alcohol and is extracted from the fibers of plants such as birch bark, berries, corn husks or agricultural waste from processing maize, wheat or rice. The industrial process that creates the final product is quite complex. The taste is like sugar; but the body absorbs it more slowly; and it contains 40% less calories than sugar. Xylitol can be used in drugs, dietary supplements, confections, toothpaste and chewing gum. Sugar rationing during World War II led to an interest in formulating sugar substitutes. Excessive consumption can lead to diarrhea; but there is no known toxicity in humans. Weak evidence indicates that chewing gum sweetened with Xylitol may reduce the incidence of cavities. Photo Credit: Pixabay