Surprising (for me) look at sugar alternatives - Maltitol

jbl · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 11:07 PM

I recently bought a pack of "sugar free" popsicles which were sweetened with Maltitol and Sucralose.

These popsicles were good, almost too good. Only 25 calories per popsicle - a "Chapman's" brand.

So I of course my curiosity made me search Google for Maltitol, and I found this very interesting discussion where many people were saying "stay away from Maltitol!". In fact, some diabetics were saying that you should stay away from any sugar-alternative which ends in "itol"!

Stevia seems to be the alternative of choice for the people on the thread, although it is apparently difficult to find.

Here's the thread:
"http://www.handcoding.com/archives/2004/08/31/beware-of-the-sugar-alcohol-maltitol/"

mosaic · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 06:38 AM

I stay away from maltitol because it makes my insides feel like I have dysentery.

I wish my system could tolerate it. So much sugar-free candy contains it.

ShottleBop · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 07:27 AM

Many folks seem to get spikes from the sugar alcohols, and others get gas/diarrhea from them. I get spikes, so I try to avoid them, except in extremely small amounts (such as in a stick of sugarless gum).

poodlebone · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShottleBop

Many folks seem to get spikes from the sugar alcohols, and others get gas/diarrhea from them. I get spikes, so I try to avoid them, except in extremely small amounts (such as in a stick of sugarless gum).

I gets spikes AND gas/diarrhea! I also consume them in very small quantities for things like Trident gum.

slwood321 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 02:05 PM

I seem to have built up a tolerance to sugar alcohols. They don't bother me as far as the gas or spike aspect.

Truvia contains stevia and a sugar alcohol that is supposedly different than malitol and the others.

Straight stevia is usually available at health food stores in a liquid form. I personally feel it is bitter, but a lot of people like it.

There has been a lot of discussion lately about whether eating foods with "fake" sugar actually make your body crave sugar.

Anyway, I would just try it and see.

foxl · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 02:12 PM

Curious.

Since Erythritol is absorbed and not metabolized, those of you who cannot handle other sugar alcohols, can you handle it? Wondering if it is gut flora breaking unabsorbed ones down?