Sugar Alcohols: calories or just a blood sugar surge?

Hello,

It is often said that some people process sugar alcohols like sugar.
But what exactly does that mean? Does that mean the the body
actually gets the calories? Or does it mean that it messes with blood
sugar levels without affecting caloric value of the food?

Thanks for clarification,
Elana

Elana wrote:
:: Hello,
::
:: It is often said that some people process sugar alcohols like
:: sugar. But what exactly does that mean?

:: Does that mean the the body
:: actually gets the calories?

Yes.

Or does it mean that it messes with
:: blood sugar levels without affecting caloric value of the food?

They do both if they processed like sugar.

However, the claim is that SAs don't affect BG levels like sugar does, but
it would appear that for some people that is not true. I find that for me,
SAs don't affect BG much, but I do get really, really powerful gas!

THey work fine for me, no BG spike and no digestive problems.

Dunno if I'm getting calories, I suppose I am because I do get some usable
energy from them. Anyway it seems to be slow release, ie 'lower glycemic'.

SKinny
--------------------

Here's some info and leads. Glycerine/glycerol is an exception, not like the
ohters.


http://www.lowcarb.ca/tips/tips010.html
balanced article on sugar alcohols

http://www.mendosa.com/netcarbs.htm
Dr. Atkins and the vendors of low-carb products are correct that not only
fiber but also glycerin and polydextrose have little or no effect on blood
glucose. The story with sugar alcohols, however, is different. One of the
most commonly used sugar alcohols, maltitol and its syrups, does have a
considerable effect on blood glucose. Two sugar alcohols, erythritol and
mannitol, have no effect, and four others have some effect.


Calorie comparison

4.3 calories per gram glycerol/glycerine
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...ne&btnG=Search

4.0 calories per gram white sugar
http://www.google.com/search?q=calor...utf-8&oe=utf-8

3.0 calories per gram hydrogenated starch hydrolysates
2.6 calories per gram sorbitol
2.4 calories per gram xylitol
2.1 calories per gram maltitol
2.0 calories per gram isomalt
2.0 calories per gram lactitol
1.6 calories per gram mannitol
0.2 calories per gram erythritol
http://www.psha-inc.com/guai-support...rbDieting.htms


Glycemic Load (ie, effect on BG level soon after eating)

18 for Honey (Canada)[GR]
11 for Maltose[GR]
10 for Glucose/Dextrose/normal sugar[GR]
7 for 99% Malitol product[GR]
5 for Lactose[GR]
2 for Fructose[GR]
1 for Xylitol[GR]

0 for Glycerol/Gylcerine[M]
0 for Polydextrose[M]

Sources:
[GR] GI /GL tables in THE NEW GLUCOSE REVOLUTION, p. 319
[M] http://www.mendosa.com/netcarbs.htm

"Roger Zoul" wrote in message ...
Elana wrote:
:: Hello,
::
:: It is often said that some people process sugar alcohols like
:: sugar. But what exactly does that mean?

:: Does that mean the the body
:: actually gets the calories?

Yes.

Or does it mean that it messes with
:: blood sugar levels without affecting caloric value of the food?

They do both if they processed like sugar.

However, the claim is that SAs don't affect BG levels like sugar does, but
it would appear that for some people that is not true. I find that for me,
SAs don't affect BG much, but I do get really, really powerful gas!


Boy if there is anyone in here who can answer this is one it is Jenny.
Ping her and she will appear like magic!
Laureen

"Roger Zoul" wrote in message ...
Elana wrote:
:: Hello,
::
:: It is often said that some people process sugar alcohols like
:: sugar. But what exactly does that mean?

:: Does that mean the the body
:: actually gets the calories?

Yes.

Or does it mean that it messes with
:: blood sugar levels without affecting caloric value of the food?

They do both if they processed like sugar.

However, the claim is that SAs don't affect BG levels like sugar does, but
it would appear that for some people that is not true. I find that for me,
SAs don't affect BG much, but I do get really, really powerful gas!


Boy if there is anyone in here who can answer this is one it is Jenny.
Ping her and she will appear like magic!
Laureen

"Roger Zoul" wrote in message ...
Elana wrote:
:: Hello,
::
:: It is often said that some people process sugar alcohols like
:: sugar. But what exactly does that mean?

:: Does that mean the the body
:: actually gets the calories?

Yes.

Or does it mean that it messes with
:: blood sugar levels without affecting caloric value of the food?

They do both if they processed like sugar.

However, the claim is that SAs don't affect BG levels like sugar does, but
it would appear that for some people that is not true. I find that for me,
SAs don't affect BG much, but I do get really, really powerful gas!


Boy if there is anyone in here who can answer this is one it is Jenny.
Ping her and she will appear like magic!
Laureen