Can someone please explain to me....

[MissMillie]

Sugar alcohol and why when you're counting carbs these sugar alcohols don't count?

Or at least provide a good link for me to read up on it?

Thanks!

[BlueEyedSon]

1. If you are seriously counting carbs/calories, booze is out.

IIRC.

Link: http://www.ivillage.co.uk/dietandfitness/nutrition/fooddiet/articles/0,9544,238_160400,00.html

[MissMillie]

2. that's not what I meant

Yesterday I bought a package of gummy bears that is labelled on the front "0 carbs"

Today I am reading the back of it and the nutritional information reads this:

Carbohydrates - 30 g
dietary fiber - 0 g
sugars - 0 g
sugar alcohol - 30 g

So... what's up w/ this sugar alcohol, and why (apparently) doesn't it count?

[BlueEyedSon]

8. Sugar Alcohol didn't exist when I studied organic chemistry.

It's real name is "Maltitol". I guess its a miracle sweetener.....

http://www.caloriecontrol.org/maltitol.html

[izzie]

9. Maybe not enough used to count in the whole pkg?

Seems to me with a name like that it must be a high count.

[camero]

3. Supposedly

The sugar alcohols have a minimal affect on your blood glucose levels and insulin output. Sort of like when someone talks about empty calories in junk food except its empty carbs in sugar alcohol.

That's about the only way I can think to put it.

[izzie]

4. alcohol and diet do not mix.

To many carb.

[southerngirlwriter]

5. Sure.

This is a laywoman's explanation, and I'm sure ten people will reply to correct my terminology, so check this thread again in half an hour. ;-) But here's my understanding:

Carbs interfere with weight loss because they spike your insulin levels. When your insulin level is high, it is very difficult to lose weight. That's why unexplained weight loss is a symptom of diabetes -- when your pancreas quits putting out insulin, you suddenly start to lose weight.

Well, sugar alcohols don't count because they don't spike your insulin like regular carbs do.

[MissMillie]

6. Found this:

included in the list of "ingredients that do not have an impact on your blood sugar levels" are:

Sugar Alcohols

These are sugar-free sweeteners. Also called polyols, these are carbohydrates but they are not real sugars. A majority of these compounds are excreted out of the body during the digestion process and are not effective carbs. Unlike artificial sweeteners, they are used in the same quantity as sugar. Polyols are considered sugar alcohols chemically, because part of them resemble sugar and they are also similar to alcohols. Sugar alcohols include maltitol, sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol, and xylitol. If these ingredients are present they are not effective carbs.


# http://www.lowcarbdietworld.com/Effectivecarbs.html

[camero]

7. Just don't eat too many of them

Cause then it will be don't walk, run to the bathroom. Sorbital kinda has that affect on me.

[MissMillie]

10. Thankfully, it's a small bag

which made them rather expensive, but you know, after nearly two weeks of avoiding sugar, I was looking for something sweet. I suppose it doesn't hurt to have a treat now and then.... does it?

[camero]

12. nah, it doesn't hurt

I like stuff made with Splenda myself. Especially the CarbSmart ice cream by Bryer's. Alot of this stuff actually tastes better than things with sugar in them.

[BlueEyedSon]

11. Yeah, I guess if humans can't digest & absorb the maltitol

something in your gut will (lots of happy bacteria). Or maybe not.

[camero]

13. One or two doesn't hurt me

I just can't go to town on it. :)