If you are a carb counter, knowing about sugar alcohols is an absolute must. Hence, we want to bring you this great tip from www.lowcarb.ca (which has a great forum as well).

Here is an executive summary:

• Sugar alcohols are neither sugars, nor alcohols, but they are carbohydrates.
• Unlike sugar, they are more slowly and incompletely absorbed from the small intestine, thus producing a much smaller and slower rise in blood sugar ... and consequently insulin. Controlling blood sugar is key to improving energy levels, our appetites, and ultimately, our overall health Click here to learn more about the blood sugar roller-coaster.
• Some sugar alcohols can have a laxative effect if overconsumed. This can happen for two reasons. First, because the sugar alcohols are not completely absorbed, they hold onto water in the bowel. Another consequence is that when undigested carbs reach the colon, the normal bacteria can produce gas, and bloating. Sorbitol and mannitol are the worst offenders in this department, maltitol less so.
• The effect is dose-related. Pay attention to the serving size listed on the product label. This amount would be considered "safe" for the average adult
• Some sugar alcohols have less laxative effect, and even less blood sugar and insulin consequence. (Erythritol, isomalt, and inulin) are a few to watch for. Sugar alcohols are not acted upon by bacteria in the mouth, and therefore do NOT cause tooth decay. In fact, xylitol actually INHIBITS oral bacteria, and is often used in sugarless mints and chewing gum for this reason.

At The Low Carb Grocery, we recommend Erythritol, xylitol, and inulin because our experience has show that the vast majority of people experience little or no laxative effect.

And for those of you who love our cheesecakes (available in-store only)... they use Xylitol =). Most Atkins products have been reformulated to not use Maltitol. Its also good to know that many products are now using a blend of Splenda and sugar alcohols to achieve great taste with little risk of laxative effect.

Most common sugar alcohols: Maltitol, Xylitol, Erythritol, Inulin.

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