About the Side Effects of Xylitol
The side effects of xylitol, a low-calorie sweetener and alternative to sugar, include gas, diarrhea, low blood sugar and possible abnormal liver function tests.
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History
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Xylitol is a sugar alcohol chemically extracted from the fibers of fruits and vegetables. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved xylitol for dietary use in 1963.
Function
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Xylitol has a calorie count of 9.6 calories per teaspoon as compared to 15 calories per teaspoon for regular processed sugar. This low calorie sweetener is often the first choice for those who are reducing their calorie intake for weight loss or management of diabetes.
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Effects
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As an alcohol, Xylitol is not fully digested and can lead to gas and diarrhea. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you consume large quantities on a regular basis. Changes in liver function tests can be caused by extremely high daily usage.
Prevention/Solution
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If you experience gas or diarrhea while using xylitol, reduce your consumption and slowly increase your use until your system has a chance to adjust to this low-calorie sweetener. Hypoglycemia can be prevented by monitoring your caloric intake and being sure that you are getting enough calories for your body weight if dieting or according to your doctor's instructions for maintenance of diabetes. Changes in liver function tests only occur with very high use of xylitol and are not likely to occur at normal rates of consumption.
Theories/Speculation
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Xylitol appears to be a good choice for a low-calorie alternative sweetener. While there are side effects, most of these side effects are not a problem at normal consumption levels. However, if you experience any of the side effects associated with this low-calorie sweetener, reduce your use and the side effects should go away in 24 to 48 hours.
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