sugar alcohols

[iamran]

My mom and I had a discussion about sugar alcohols in gum. Can some one please help?

My mom showed me her gum and it had 2 carbs and 2 sugar alcohols. She says that she counts it as O carbs. I say you have to count it as 1 carb. Who is correct? My mother or I?

[SunnySmile501]

Either or both of you could be right. If chewing a couple of pieces of the gum causes digestive distress, then you probably can count it as zero. If it does nothing to your tummy, you are probably absorbing all of the carbs. One thing new research has proved is that we absorb way more of sugar alcohols that they admit.

[Sunny_0ne]

One thing new research has proved is that we absorb way more of sugar alcohols that they admit.

I appreciate that info, Sunny. Was a bit confused about how sugar alcohols are digested... or not.

[SunnySmile501]

The newest research suggests that we should count at least 50% of the carbs from sugar alcohols. I choose to not play around with mother nature.

The molecules are supposed to be too big to be digested or absorbed, so they cause distress going through the intestines, causing gas and diarrhea like when you take in too much fiber at one time.

Also, it has been proven that over time our digestive system adapts and finds a way to digest and absorb more and more.

[Sunny_0ne]

I was at Sams yesterday. They were giving out samples of the Atkins Indulge bars. The caramel nut sample was wonderful... but it reminded me far too much of cheating to be safe for me to eat.

Your information is exactly what I needed to not be suckered in by temptation!

[iamran]

Yes, thank you for the information SunnySmile501 and hello to you both SunnySmile501 and Sunny_One!

This is off of the subject but I'm so excited I'm about to bust. I went to a Chili Supper at my parents church tonight and I bought a treadmill at the silent auction for $31.00. It has alot of bells and whistles and even has incline!!!! Plus I ate tuna salad before I went and had nothing there! I was determined that I was not going to eat chili or dessert and go off plan. No way, no how!

It's just in time for tomorrow when I start the 6WEC!!!!!! This was totally a blessing!

[Sunny_0ne]

Wow, iamran!!! You turned a potential landmine into a gold mine!

Congratulations!

[steady as she goes]

what about erythritol though? it's supposed to not cause digestive distress.

[ikilledrafe]

i eat the advantage bars when im in a pinch, as well as the shakes, i know people who don't because it hurts their stomach, or causes problems I eat one w/ a salad if im in a rush, and they havent stopped my losses or bothered me one bit.

[SunnySmile501]

Originally Posted by steady as she goes

what about erythritol though? it's supposed to not cause digestive distress.

Erythritol is sort of a sugar alcohol of a different species. Maltitol, for instance, one of the most popular to use in "sugar free" candy, has a glycemic index of 52. Real sugar has a GI of 62--not a whole lot of difference. It will spike your blood sugar and requires an insulin response.

There are two SA's with a GI of zero, of which erythritol is one. Mannitol is the other. So far, the FDA is allowing food producers to ride the coattails of the current ruling on all sugar alcohols.

Maltitol crystals and/or syrup is one of the most commonly used sugar alcohols -- think Russel Stover chocolates. So they DO have a "significant" effect on blood sugars. Almost as much as regular table sugar. While erythritol and mannitol have NO EFFECT. And the others have "minimal" effect. So make sure you are checking the labels of the products that you buy and use, and especially steer clear of Maltitol, because not all sugar alcohols are the same.