If you cannot see the flash movie please Click Here
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a noncariogenic five-carbon sugar alcohol found in nature and the human body. Sources include fruits, berries, mushrooms, lettuce, hardwoods and corn on the cob. Our bodies produce up to 15 grams of Xylitol from other food sources using established energy pathways. In practice, Xylitol is manufactured by extracting the xylan from a source -- such as a hardwood or corn cob -- and reacting it with water to produce the wood sugar xylose. Xylose is then hydrogenated to produce Xylitol which is a polyol, or sugar alcohol.
Xylitol is a noncariogenic five-carbon sugar alcohol found in nature and the human body. Sources include fruits, berries, mushrooms, lettuce, hardwoods and corn on the cob. Our bodies produce up to 15 grams of Xylitol from other food sources using established energy pathways. In practice, Xylitol is manufactured by extracting the xylan from a source -- such as a hardwood or corn cob -- and reacting it with water to produce the wood sugar xylose. Xylose is then hydrogenated to produce Xylitol which is a polyol, or sugar alcohol.
Listen Now to the HerbalCast show on Xylitol to learn more.
How Does Xylitol Differ from Other Sweeteners?
Xylitol differs chemically from other sweeteners such as sorbitol, fructose and glucose because the Xylitol molecule has only five, rather than six, carbon atoms. Six carbon molecules are easily used by oral bacteria, but a five carbon molecule is not. Xylitol interferes with the metabolism of S. mutans, creating a condition where the bacteria cannot live. As a result, Xylitol has been shown to have an anticariogenic effect on teeth.
Is Xylitol Safe?
Xylitol has a long history of safety as a therapeutic sweetener. The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), a scientific advisory group to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have both approved Xylitol’s safety for human consumption.
Xylitol is recommended by the American Dental Association to prevent cavities, stop harmful bacterial growth and
inhibit plaque buildup. Additionally, Xylitol is safe for everyone, including diabetics, hypoglycemics, and anyone
concerned about sugar intake or artificial sweeteners.
Learn more about our PowerBite Herbal Chewing Gum sweetened with Xylitol, or view the ingredients.
When you can't brush...Chew PowerBite!
Now Available At:
