Sugar Alcohols
Provide fewer calories and are less sweet than regular sugar
- Safe from natural source in fruits and vegetables
- Safe recommended intake is 10-15 grams/day
- Not the same as artificial sweeteners which have no calories
Health Benefits:
- add texture to food
- retain moisture better, prevent browning when heated
- can cause bloating and diarrhea
- have some affect on blood sugar (2.6 calories/gram)
Low intake of Sugar Alcohols
Symptoms of low Sugar Alcohols intake
- None unless replaced with regular sugar
Causes of low Sugar Alcohols intake
- No health effects with sugar alcohols
- Have fewer calories but can have negative health effects
Excess intake of Sugar Alcohols
Symptoms of excess intake of Sugar Alcohols
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating, Gas
- Cramps, Diarrhea
- Nausea
At risk for excess Sugar Alcohols
- Can raise blood sugar
- Better for dental health than sugar
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Sugar alcohol is carb and can cause sensitivity
- Sugar alcohol is a polyol on FODMAP diet
- Erythritol associated with higher risk of heart attack or stroke
Sugar Alcohols Content in Foods
Foods High in Sugar Alcohols
| Food | Serving Size | Sugar Alcohols |
|---|---|---|
Foods Low in Sugar Alcohols
| Food | Serving Size | Sugar Alcohols |
|---|---|---|
References
Types of Therapeutic Diets. (2021). California Dept. of Social Services-IHSS Training Academy. http://www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/res/VPTC2/9%20Food%20Nutrition%20and%20Preparation/Types_of_Therapeutic_Diets.pdf
Dierks, M. H. (2021). Meal Planning & Exercise Tips for Insulin Resistance. AgaMatrix. https://agamatrix.com/blog/insulin-resistance-diet/
2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines. (n.d.). health.gov. https://health.gov/our-work/food-nutrition/2015-2020-dietary-guidelines/guidelines/
Foods Highest in Total sugar alcohols. (n.d.). MyFoodData. https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrient-ranking-tool/total-sugar-alcohols/all/highest/household/common+sr+fndds+branded/no
Sharp RD, A. (2017). What Are the Best Foods for a Low-Sugar Diet? Greatist. https://greatist.com/eat/what-are-the-best-foods-for-a-low-sugar-diet#1
Total sugar alcohols (g). (n.d.). U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/?component=1086
Contact Us
Questions? Suggestions? Diet you'd like to see added?
Contact us! We'd love to hear from you.