Today we're talking about polyols
1 min
Table of contents
Share
Today we're talking about sugar alcohols (or polyols).
What are they? Polyols are naturally occurring sugars used mainly in the confectionery industry as sweeteners. We very often find them in food supplements too, particularly in protein bars. Sugar alcohols are divided into monosaccharides (mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol) and disaccharides (maltitol, lactitol). They are considered ‘safe’ substances, in the sense that no harmful contraindications in the human body have been found to date. The advantages attributed to these sweeteners are that they have a low energy value, are not cariogenic (which is why, for example, they are used especially in chewing gum), and their metabolism is independent of insulin, which also makes them suitable for diabetics.
The drawback of these sweeteners, when used in supplements, particularly those for athletes, may be their laxative effect caused by water being drawn into the gut as a result of the osmotic effect they can produce.
In particular, mannitol has been found to be poorly absorbed by the body and can have a laxative effect at intakes of 10 g-20 g. Sorbitol and xylitol also have laxative effects, but at higher amounts, around 50 g, while for maltitol the figure reaches 100 g.
The laxative effect of polyols can be cumulative. This means that if you consume small amounts of polyols repeatedly throughout the day, the laxative effect may appear.
Another possible drawback when they are taken by athletes before or during physical activity is their slow absorption.
To avoid unwanted laxative effects, it is important to pay attention to the amount of polyols consumed and to your own individual reactions. If you have a known sensitivity to polyols, or suspect that eating them may cause gastrointestinal problems, it is best to limit your intake. Reading food labels carefully can also help identify the presence of polyols in products. If persistent or worrying gastrointestinal problems occur, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dietitian for a full assessment.
Would you prefer a bar without polyols?
Try Promeal® Zone 40-30-30
What are they? Polyols are naturally occurring sugars used mainly in the confectionery industry as sweeteners. We very often find them in food supplements too, particularly in protein bars. Sugar alcohols are divided into monosaccharides (mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol) and disaccharides (maltitol, lactitol). They are considered ‘safe’ substances, in the sense that no harmful contraindications in the human body have been found to date. The advantages attributed to these sweeteners are that they have a low energy value, are not cariogenic (which is why, for example, they are used especially in chewing gum), and their metabolism is independent of insulin, which also makes them suitable for diabetics.
The drawback of these sweeteners, when used in supplements, particularly those for athletes, may be their laxative effect caused by water being drawn into the gut as a result of the osmotic effect they can produce.
In particular, mannitol has been found to be poorly absorbed by the body and can have a laxative effect at intakes of 10 g-20 g. Sorbitol and xylitol also have laxative effects, but at higher amounts, around 50 g, while for maltitol the figure reaches 100 g.
The laxative effect of polyols can be cumulative. This means that if you consume small amounts of polyols repeatedly throughout the day, the laxative effect may appear.
Another possible drawback when they are taken by athletes before or during physical activity is their slow absorption.
To avoid unwanted laxative effects, it is important to pay attention to the amount of polyols consumed and to your own individual reactions. If you have a known sensitivity to polyols, or suspect that eating them may cause gastrointestinal problems, it is best to limit your intake. Reading food labels carefully can also help identify the presence of polyols in products. If persistent or worrying gastrointestinal problems occur, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dietitian for a full assessment.
Would you prefer a bar without polyols?
Try Promeal® Zone 40-30-30
Tags:
