🍭Mondays with Mark: The Sweet Truth About Sugar Alcohols

Let’s dive right in. I’m sure many of you have seen the recent study coming out of the Cleveland Clinic that has been casting a shadow on sugar alcohols. First, erythritol took the hit, and now it’s xylitol’s turn under the microscope. If I had to guess, allulose will probably be next. These substances are prevalent in foods designed for diabetics and, in a more niche capacity, within the oral care industry.

The Big Picture: Why Non-Fermentable Sugars Matter

Here’s why non-fermentable sugars like xylitol are vital. When you ferment sugar, you get acid. Acid leads to cavities and a whole host of gut issues. This is why sugar alcohols are such a boon—they don’t ferment, so they don’t cause these problems. People with metabolic health issues, particularly those struggling with fructose and glucose, turn to these alternatives for good reason. Sugar addiction is a real, pervasive problem, and sugar alcohols offer a viable, healthier substitute.

The Data: Analyzing the Studies

It’s disheartening to see these products maligned, especially when you consider who’s behind the research. The recent study suggesting that xylitol could be harmful was funded by pharmaceutical companies, food companies, and the NIH—entities that profit when we consume sugar and fructose. Fructose, one of the cheapest products on the planet, is incredibly profitable. In contrast, xylitol is much more expensive, which lowers profit margins and reduces dependence on medications for conditions like diabetes.

You can often tell a lot about a study by its title—if it’s sensationalistic, be wary. The recent study didn’t screen for participants with heart disease. This oversight alone is a significant flaw, but it doesn’t stop there. 46% of the study participants had heart disease.

The study made numerous causal statements without proper control, particularly regarding diet. The researchers injected mice with 30 grams of xylitol. To put that in perspective, imagine the human equivalent—an impractical and unrealistic amount. Xylitol is poorly absorbed, which is why they used such a high dose, but this doesn’t accurately reflect human consumption.

Moreover, the study didn’t control for sugar intake, a glaring omission. And, somewhere buried in the report, there’s a note that this data doesn’t apply to the oral care industry. So why terrify the public unnecessarily?

Xylitol in Oral Care: A Public Health Boon

Let’s shift our focus to where xylitol truly shines: oral health. Xylitol is a godsend for public oral health. It helps maintain a healthy oral microbiome, which is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease. The non-fermentable nature of xylitol means it doesn’t produce the acid that can erode tooth enamel. This makes it a fantastic ingredient in toothpaste and other oral care products. Xylitol also inhibits the S.mutans bug’s cavity-causing activity.

Xylitol for Diabetics: A Necessary Alternative

For diabetics, xylitol and other sugar alcohols offer a way to enjoy sweet foods without the detrimental effects of glucose and fructose. It’s upsetting to see these alternatives being unfairly criticized by junk science, particularly when they play such a crucial role in helping people manage their health.

In Conclusion: Don’t Be Misled

It’s essential to approach these sensational studies with a healthy dose of skepticism. Dr. Hazen, the lead researcher, is quoted in the study recommending his patients avoid highly processed foods labeled as keto-friendly or diabetic-friendly and recommends sugar or honey in moderation as better alternatives, even for diabetics. This is an insane recommendation! Sugar is one of the most highly processed foods on the planet. And while honey has a lower GI (Glycemic Index) than sugar, and is not processed, it still spikes your blood sugar level. Why would we suggest these for diabetics when xylitol is a wonderful substitute that doesn’t spike blood sugar at all?
Let’s not be too quick to condemn these sugar substitutes without a well-conducted study, which this was not. Xylitol, in particular, is a powerful tool for both oral and metabolic health. We need to look at the big picture and not be swayed by sensational headlines.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and as always, keep smiling.

Until next time,
Mark

P.S. For the importance of xylitol for oral health, check out my podcast episode #101 here.