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| What is xylitol? | to Top |
Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in plants such as Birch trees, strawberries, plums and pears and is even produced by the human body during metabolism. Its molecular formula is C5H12O5. Its molecular weight is 152.15g. Xylitol's melting point is 95C and it has a pH of 6.5. Xylitol is actually a sugar alcohol because it has five carbons and five hydroxyl groups.
Xylitol was discovered in 1891 by Emil Fischer. Xylitol is similar to sucrose in its sweetness but has only 1/3 the amount of calories as sucrose. Because of its low caloric value, Xylitol is helpful in weight control and a major factor for those with diabetes. Xylitol is also absorbed slowly in the body and does no make blood glucose of insulin spike, another positive for those with diabetes.
But overall, the most widely discussed benefit of Xylitol includes its ability to be good for our teeth. That's right, a sugar that is good for the teeth. Bacteria normally use sugar to grow, but bacteria can't use Xylitol and therefore Xylitol prevents cavaties from forming. Xylitol also reduces plaque formation, and increases salivary flow which helps clean and protect teeth.
Adverse outcomes of Xylitol may be a slight laxative effect if it is consumed in a large dose. But this is common with most all artificial sweeteners.
-Amy Frasieur
NFM235, Winter2001
Updated: Saturday, December 29, 2007.
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