Sugar Vs. Sugar Alcohol

[LadyMaggie 145]

Just curious if anyone uses products with sugar alcohol. I do watch my sugar intake (very low) but would like to try Russell Stover's sugar free candy line. They are made with Splenda; have 0 sugar; but 23 g of "sugar alcohol"

[Sojourner 2,446]

Sugar alcohol, from what I have read, comes in many different varieties. It is hydrogenated sugar, and cannot be absorbed by the body. Because it cannot be absorbed by the body, it can ferment in the intestines, and may cause digestive upset in people.

Some of the "sugar alcohols" do have a caloric value. I am not a chemist, but this is my understanding of how they function. Basically, they are a form of chemically engineered sugar, and as such are used in the category of foods considered to be "highly or overly processed".

I don't believe that it's a great idea to use those products...if we truly want to change our health for the better with loosing weight, why would you want to ingest chemicals?

IMHO, in the long run, simple unprocessed foods are healthier. Many on the forum have written about their "sweet tooth", and I am a self confessed chocoholic. I would think it healthier to have 1 small piece of the real deal than to use the chemicals.

Your mileage may vary...best wishes to you as you continue your journey!

[kmt1973 92]

I learned the hard way to not pay attention to sugar content or sugar alcohol content. They are just "fancy" ways to tell you "eat this, I'm good for you" pay attention to the carb content. That is what will raise your sugar levels. My daughter was diagnosed w juvi diabetes when she was 3, she is now 20. Letting her eat diabetic candy back when I was ill informed, I couldn't understand why her sugar was high when I watched everything she ate. Not only that....she would get very bad cramps after about 2 or 3 pieces.

[cbreeden28 23]

According to the Atkins Protein Bars, sugar alcohols are subtracted from total carb count because they minimally impact blood sugar. I always deduct them from the carb count on anything I eat that contains it. I have had no digestive problems or stomach pain from it.