sugar alcohols?

Hi all,

Looking at a label for LC bars, they say 22 carbs, -2 fiber, - 16 sugar
alcohols = 4 total carb count.

What are sugar alcohols, and can I really subtract them from the total carb
count?

Thanks,

Greg

"gccch" wrote in message

Hi all,

Looking at a label for LC bars, they say 22 carbs, -2 fiber, - 16
sugar alcohols = 4 total carb count.

What are sugar alcohols, and can I really subtract them from the
total carb count?

Thanks,

Greg

Sugar alcohols are artificial sweeteners that affect individuals
differently (they are used in manufactured goods because they have
similar properties as sugar --i.e. they can carmelize and be sticky or
syrupy). Some people have no trouble with them at all and some do. The
only way to tell is to test them on yourself and see if you stop losing
weight (or if you're diabetic, if your blood sugar goes up too far or
too fast) if so, then you have to count the carbs. Maltitol (in
combination with chocolate, why is not known yet) is the one most likely
to give people weightloss problems. However, it could also be the
glycerine (also used as a sweetener sometimes) that can cause stalls,
so be aware of how things with glycerine (glycerol) in them affect you
too.

One last thing to note: sugar alcohols should be eaten in moderation--
more than one serving and you may regret it. They have a laxitive
effect (and painful gas if you eat too much too).

--
revek
There were about a million zillion marriages and divorces between about
twenty writers and editors in the 1950s. Seems to have been their
version of Magic: the Gathering. Or possibly Pokemon.-- James Nicoll

Great info, thanks! I had a similar question regarding a product we came
across ... and brought home:

http://www.russellstover.com/jump.js...GORY&itemID=82
Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/yvvf

While I appreciate Russell Stover's efforts at producing "low carb"
products, I wondered if it isn't just a matter of sleight of hand regarding
how they're counting carbs. It seems suspicious or am I just paranoid?

Their Peanut Butter Cups list the following:

Serving size 4 pieces

Total Carbohydrates: 19g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar Alcohol: 7g

Therefore, they reckon it's ~2.5g carbs per piece. Some of their other
products have even more sugar alcohols, hence even lower net carb ratings.
However, the ingredients read like this:

Chocolate flavored coating (maltitol, isomalt, cocoa butter, chocolate
liquor insulin, erythritol, calcium carbonate, sodium caseinate, milk fat,
natural and artificial flavors, soya lecithinian emulsifier,
acesulfane-potassium sucralose and salt), peanut butter (...etc)

The package boldly states "Carbs per piece 2.4". Questions: 1) Is this
deceptive, creative marketing, or a great product? 2) What is the relative
% of people who digest (are affected by) sugar alcohols?

Thanks!


"revek" wrote in message
...
Sugar alcohols are artificial sweeteners that affect individuals
differently (they are used in manufactured goods because they have
similar properties as sugar --i.e. they can carmelize and be sticky or
syrupy). Some people have no trouble with them at all and some do. The
only way to tell is to test them on yourself and see if you stop losing
weight (or if you're diabetic, if your blood sugar goes up too far or
too fast) if so, then you have to count the carbs. Maltitol (in
combination with chocolate, why is not known yet) is the one most likely
to give people weightloss problems. However, it could also be the
glycerine (also used as a sweetener sometimes) that can cause stalls,
so be aware of how things with glycerine (glycerol) in them affect you
too.

SRC: http://www.lowcarb.ca/tips/tips010.html

ALL ABOUT SUGAR ALCOHOLS (MALTITOL, SORBITOL, ISOMALT , etc..)

These sweeteners are neither sugars, nor alcohols, but they are
carbohydrates nonetheless. They are sometimes called POLYOLS, to avoid
confusion. At the present time, they have not been legally classified for
product labelling purposes, as are sugars, starch and fiber. So, some
manufacturers are choosing to omit them from the total carb count in the
nutrient data panel of the label (they MUST however declare the amount of
sugar alcohol in the ingredient list). Because they aren't actually SUGAR,
products that contain them may use the term "sugar free" on the label. Some
manufacturers and distributors (esp. in Canada and Europe) are choosing to
declare the full carbs in the nutrient data panel, and some diabetes
associations and consumer groups are pressuring for gov't legislation to
make this a legal requirement.

There are some claims that sugar alcohols don't have carbs, and therefore
don't count; that they can be completely subtracted if listed on the label.
This statement is not entirely "false" but it is misleading. Sugar alcohols
do have carbs, and approx. 1/2 to 3/4 the calories of regular sugar. They
are more slowly and incompletely absorbed from the small intestine than
sugar, thus producing a much smaller and slower rise in blood sugar ... and
consequently insulin. But this is a YMMV thing. Some Type 1 diabetics have
reported that they sense an immediate "sugar rush" from eating even a small
amount. Others notice no change, and absolutely no effect on ketosis.

Sugar alcohols do have carb calories and the body will use these as fuel, or
store as fat, whether or not insulin is involved. You need to look at the
total
CALORIES for one serving of the product. Subtract from this total the number
of calories from any protein in the product (prot = 4 cal. per gm), then
subtract the calories from any FAT in the product (fat = 9 cal. per gm).
What's left is the calories from carbohydrate ... divide this remainder by 4
(carbs = 4 cal. per gm). If the number you get is bigger than the number of
carbs declared on the label, the product has hidden carbs, and it's most
likely the polyol. Calories do not just disappear into thin air!

The "laxative effect" happens for two reasons. First, because the sugar
alcohols are not completely absorbed, they hold on to a lot of water in the
bowel. This causes diarrhea. Another consequence is that when undigested
carbs reach the colon, the normal bacteria present there go WILD ---
resulting in unpleasant gas, and bloating. Sorbitol and mannitol are the
worst offenders in this department, maltitol less so. The effect is
dose-related -- you would be wise to pay attention to the serving size
listed on the product label. This amount would be considered "safe" for the
average adult -- make note of this before giving to a smaller child! Nothing
like watching your kid doubled over with cramps and diarrhea because they
ate too many "sugar free" sweets. To the best of my knowledge, sugar
alcohols ARE safe for children, and pregnant/nursing mothers ... just keep
an eye on the dose.

There are some newer sugar alcohols slowly making their way on the market,
which have less laxative effect, and even less blood sugar and insulin
consequence. Erythritol, isomalt and inulin are a few to watch for. There's
another called HSH (hydrolyzed starch hydrolysate) also called maltitol
syrup. The thing is, the different sugar alcohols have different properties,
and can't be used for all things. Sorbitol is used in hard candies ... it
produces a nice, clear candy that doesn't crystalize, and stays hard and dry
in a humid environment. Because it doesn't crystalize, sorbitol is used in
ice cream to help it stay creamy. Mannitol also can absorb a lot of moisture
before it gets damp and sticky, therefore it's used to "dust" sticks of gum,
to keep them dry. Maltitol and erythritol provide smooth bulk, and are ideal
for chocolates and soft candies to give a creamy "melt in the mouth"
quality.

Sugar alcohols are not acted upon by bacteria in the mouth, and therefore do
NOT cause tooth decay. In fact, xylitol actually INHIBITS oral bacteria, and
is often used in sugarless mints and chewing gum for this reason.

BOTTOM LINE
We are all individuals, and our bodies will react differently to these
products. Depending on other factors, such as what else we've consumed along
with it or on an empty stomach, we may even find ourselves having totally
different reactions each time we eat it. So proceed with caution.

Be aware that there is potential to cause a rise in blood sugar and insulin
.... although slower. Also the possibility to knock you out of ketosis, if
you're following a ketogenic program such as Atkins. Pay attention to the
serving SIZE. A 45-gram (1-1/2 oz) chocolate bar may state on the label that
one serving is 15 grams (1/2 oz). That's only 1/3 of the bar, so keep that
in mind when you're about to chow down.

If you are following Induction level low carb eating, it would be wise to
avoid these products until at LEAST the 2 weeks are up, and your body's
metabolism is settled well into ketosis and fat-burning mode. Same for other
low carb programs, which may not be ketogenic, but do have strong effects on
the metabolism (eg. Protein Power, Carb Addicts). Give your body the chance
to adjust to the new WOE first, then cautiously add these products.

KEYWORD moderation. Most low carbers find they can indulge very occasionally
in a polyol-sweetened treat without consequence to their weight loss effort,
and perhaps a mild laxative effect or some gas. It's a trade-off, but helps
to stave off cravings for high-sugar goodies. A problem could develop
though, for someone with carb-addiction .... these candies just become a
substitute addiction. Also, the sweet taste can trigger EMOTIONS (for an
addict) that will result in a "rush" of hormones and enzymes in the body,
ultimately leading to an insulin spike ... and fat STORAGE. And remember
that candy is NOT a meal substitute. There's little or no protein, vitamins
or essential fatty acids.

RESOURCES
"Reduced Calorie Sweeteners: Polyols" from the Calorie Control Council
"Letter to Health Minister Allan Rock from CSPI Canada" Sept/00, urging
accurate labelling of food products containing sugar alcohols, health
warnings of the Gastrointestinal effects, and recommendations for control of
dose per serving.
"All About Polyols" from SPI Polyols (manufacturer)

Happy Low Carbing!

"alg" wrote in message

Great info, thanks! I had a similar question regarding a product we
came across ... and brought home:

http://www.russellstover.com/jump.js...GORY&itemID=82
Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/yvvf

While I appreciate Russell Stover's efforts at producing "low carb"
products, I wondered if it isn't just a matter of sleight of hand
regarding how they're counting carbs. It seems suspicious or am I
just paranoid?

Depends. How is it sleight of hand, exactly? All the carbs are
listed. It's up to you to decide to count the sugar alcohols or not.

The reasoning behind not counting SAs is because they generally don't
effect the blood sugar of *normal people or if they do, it is a far less
significant effect (with the exception of maltitol when combined with
chocolate).

Normal people meaning healthy non-diabetics. Lowcarb candies and bars
are designed for weight loss, not as a dietetic aid.

Their Peanut Butter Cups list the following:

Serving size 4 pieces

Total Carbohydrates: 19g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar Alcohol: 7g

Therefore, they reckon it's ~2.5g carbs per piece. Some of their
other products have even more sugar alcohols, hence even lower net
carb ratings. However, the ingredients read like this:

Chocolate flavored coating (maltitol,

Sugar alcohol

isomalt,

same

cocoa butter, chocolate
liquor insulin,

Did you type that right?

erythritol,

Sugar alcohol--- I have tested this one at home, and there is no
intestinal discomfort as with other SAs and since I didn't get the
munchies afterward, no sigificant bs/insulin swing either. That's just
me though. You may be different.

calcium carbonate, sodium caseinate, milk
fat, natural and artificial flavors, soya lecithinian emulsifier,
acesulfane-potassium

artificial sweetener (but not a sugar alcohol)

sucralose

artificial sweetener also known as splenda (but not a sugar alcohol)

and salt), peanut butter (...etc)

The package boldly states "Carbs per piece 2.4". Questions: 1) Is
this deceptive, creative marketing, or a great product?

All three or none of the above, depending on your personal view. The
nutritional label follows FDA regulations showing the total carbs not
just the net, so I'd say the bold statement is part of the front
package (haven't looked lately) and therefore falls under the label
marketing (which should be read, as always "buyer beware"), and if it
doesn't cause you problems of one kind or another and helps you stay on
the lowcarb path, then it's a great product in my book.

The nutritional label didn't always follow FDA regulations, because the
manufactures took the stance that as the SA carbs weren't absorbed like
regular carbs (in normal people remember) that they shouldn't *have to
be listed. FDA disagreed. There was some squabbling, and when the dust
settled the new labels came out. This has led some people to believe
that there is some nefarious maliciousness on the part of any
manufacturers who tried to deceive the public.

2) What is
the relative % of people who digest (are affected by) sugar alcohols?


I'd say near 100 percent, one way or another. Some people have
trouble of two different kinds. Either they get baaaaad painful gas and
loose bowels (caused from incomplete breakdown of the SA in the upper
intestine, causing much partytime in the lower intestine), or they get a
bs rise. Usually. Some poor folks get both. There are a few who don't
get either, and lose weight on them just fine. Some people also stop
losing weight, even though they are within their carb and calorie
ranges, but have no other reaction.

You just have to experiment (after induction).

--
revek
"It's called 'quantum telepathy': I can read minds, but only if they're
very, very small."

"Ignoramus5005" wrote in message
...

: Seriously speaking, I am befuddled as to why people put that trash in
: their mouths.

I can't speak for everyone, but I know why I walked down that destructive
path. For me, low-carbing is essentially a diet of denial. (I won't
quibble the conceptual difference between a diet and a "way of eating".
I'll be on this diet or eating regimen for the rest of my life.) When some
food product promises a way for me to enjoy something that I am forced to
deny myself, I feel compelled to give it a try. So I ate Atkins bars and
drank Atkins shakes and promptly gained four pounds in a single week,
despite the "net" numbers of carbs.

I miss sugary desserts and treats. I envy "normal" people. But I have a
dietary problem. I am insulin resistant at best and diabetic at worst.
When I'm not low-carbing, my blood sugar is 170 or better. When I'm
restricting carbs to 20 grams or less per day, my blood sugar is less than
110, and I physically feel better. No lethargy. No headache. No
dizziness.

For me, it's a maturity thing. My character has to fight my genetic
make-up, and I am forced to admit to myself that there is no magic pill or
magic (read "net-carb") treat.

David

"revek" wrote in message
...

: You just have to experiment (after induction).

Just wanted to say I always enjoy your informative posts. That's all.

David

In article , gccch wrote:

What are sugar alcohols, and can I really subtract them from the total carb
count?


I have found that maltitol products tend to stall my weight loss...
You have to be very careful when shopping at a "low-carb" grocery. If
you look hard enough, though, there are some good sucralose (Splenda)
sweetened chocolate products, that work great for me. (My favorite is
Keto Nuts.)


--
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Erik Seligman, /
Speaking for myself, not Intel or Aracnet.

"David S." wrote in message
...
"revek" wrote in message
...

: You just have to experiment (after induction).

Just wanted to say I always enjoy your informative posts. That's all.

Ditto - good info, revek!

"alg" wrote in message
news
"David S." wrote in message
...
"revek" wrote in message
...

You just have to experiment (after induction).

Just wanted to say I always enjoy your informative posts. That's
all.

Ditto - good info, revek!

blush aw.

--
revek
You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.