Xylitol: Benefits, Sources & Safety - A Comprehensive Guide

Xylitol is a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol known since the 1890s. Finnish Sugar Co. LTD and Swiss Company F. Hoffman La-Roche formed a joint venture called Xyrofin in 1976 for the mass production of xylitol.

Natural Sources

• Xylitol is naturally found in plums, raspberries, cauliflower, and corncobs. Commercial xylitol comes from birch wood.

Preventing Tooth Decay

• Xylitol prevents tooth decay because it reduces the bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities. In 1975, xylitol started being used in sugar-free gum.

Use As a Sweetener

• Before 1970, xylitol was used as a sweetener in diabetic diets. Xylitol has 2.4 calories per gram compared to sugar at 4 calories per gram.

Side Effects

• Consumption of large quantities of xylitol may cause a laxative effect, diarrhea, and flatulence. No other safety concerns should be expected.

Dosage

• For children, 15 g of xylitol per day is acceptable. For most people, 30 g of xylitol per day is acceptable.