Wizard of Vitamins

Xylitol Vitamin

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is the alcohol form of xylose, which is used as a sweetener in chewing gums and other dietetic products. Xylitol has less effect on blood sugar or insulin levels compared with sucrose, so it may be a useful sugar substitute for diabetics. In addition, xylitol inhibits the growth of several types of bacteria, including those that cause tooth decay and ear infections.

Xylitol in Diets

Xylitol occurs naturally in straw, corncobs, fruit, vegetables, cereals, mushrooms, and some seaweeds. For use in food manufacturing, xylitol is extracted from birch wood chips. Xylitol may be found in many foods labeled as "sugar-free," including hard candies, cookies, chewing gums, soft drinks, and throat lozenges.

Xylitol Medicinal Treatments

Ear infections Tooth decay

Known Consequences of Xylitol Deficiency

Xylitol is not an essential nutrient; therefore, no deficiencies are possible.

Xylitol Recommended Dosages

For prevention of dental caries (cavities), 7 to 20 grams per day are given, divided into several doses in candies or chewing gum. For prevention of ear infections, 1.7 to 2.0 grams are given fives times per day in gum, lozenges, or syrup.

Xylitol Side Effects

Xylitol is recognized as a safe food additive by the U.S. government. Large amounts (30 to 40 grams) taken all at once can produce diarrhea and intestinal gas. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with xylitol.