| Maltitol is a pleasant-tasting sugar substitute that is | | | | that simply means it does not cause cavities. This |
| almost as sweet as sugar and can be used as a | | | | is due to its unique ability to resist being |
| replacement for sugar in almost any recipe. | | | | metabolized by bacteria in our mouths that break |
| Maltitol offers many advantages over sugar and is | | | | down sugars and starches to release acids that |
| safe for use by anyone. Diabetics and those | | | | can harm tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. The |
| attempting to control their weight will especially | | | | American Dental association recognizes that |
| appreciate maltitol's many qualities. | | | | maltitol and other sugar substitutes are beneficial |
| Where does Maltitol come from? | | | | in the avoidance of tooth decay, as has the FDA, |
| Maltitol is a sugar alcohol, or polyol. Chemically, part | | | | which approves the use of labeling that bears the |
| of maltitol's structure is similar to sugar and part is | | | | term "does not promote tooth decay" on |
| similar to alcohol. It should be emphasized that the | | | | products sweetened with maltitol. |
| alcohol component is not the same as the alcohol | | | | Is Maltitol safe to use? |
| we generally think of when we hear the term; | | | | There have been many exaggerated claims made |
| that is, the alcohol that is found in alcoholic | | | | about maltitol, specifically regarding intestinal |
| beverages such as wine and spirits, which is | | | | discomfort that may occur in some individuals |
| ethanol. Maltitol is derived from the hydrogenation | | | | who eat large quantities of products containing |
| of maltose, which comes from starch. | | | | maltitol. A small proportion of individuals |
| What can Maltitol be used for? | | | | experience gas and bloating after eating products |
| Maltitol is used as a sugar substitute and can be | | | | sweetened with maltitol, and those who eat very |
| used to reduce the caloric, sugar and fat content | | | | large quantities may experience diarrhea. |
| of foods it is added to. It tastes almost as sweet | | | | However, this is not the norm and should not |
| as sugar, and is often used in the making of | | | | deter people who wish to eat products |
| sweets, such as baked goods, candy, gum, ice | | | | sweetened with maltitol, especially those who |
| cream and chocolate. It will not caramelize as | | | | have weight loss or more strictly controlled blood |
| other sugars do and has a unique creamy texture. | | | | sugar as their goal. |
| What are the benefits of using Maltitol? | | | | Many studies in both humans and animals have |
| Maltitol is 75% as sweet as sugar (some | | | | shown positive results with regards to maltitol's |
| estimates state 90%) and has a taste intensity | | | | safety as a food additive. In addition, The JECFA |
| similar to sugar, but with half the calories and | | | | (Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World |
| carbs of sugar. Maltitol contributes only 2.1 calories | | | | Health Organization Expert Committee on Food |
| per gram, while sugar contains 4 calories per | | | | Additives) has given maltitol its highest safety |
| gram. This makes maltitol a great substitute for | | | | rating, and has stated that no limits need be |
| individuals who are trying to lose weight by | | | | placed on the use of maltitol. |
| reducing calories. | | | | Given that the total number of diabetics is |
| Maltitol has a glycemic index of 36, far less than | | | | expected to rise from 171 million in 2000 to 366 |
| the glycemic index of sugar, which is 60. Many | | | | million in 2030 (Diabetes Care, 2004) and the fact |
| diabetes use products sweetened with maltitol as | | | | that obesity is also an enormous and growing |
| a way to enjoy sweets without the subsequent | | | | health problem (about one-third of adults in the |
| rise in blood sugar that occurs when they eat | | | | U.S. are classified as obese), Maltitol can be a |
| foods containing sugar. Maltitol is more slowly | | | | valuable tool in the fight against both of these |
| absorbed than sugar, so that a rise in blood sugar | | | | global health problems. Maltitol's lower glycemic |
| and the related insulin response is decreased. This | | | | index and fewer calories per gram, as well as its |
| allows them to enjoy a wider variety of sweets | | | | ability to help reduce cavities, makes it a perfect |
| than they might otherwise be allowed. | | | | choice for individuals trying to control their weight, |
| Best of all, maltitol is non-cariogenic, a fancy term | | | | blood sugar or both. |