Xylitol

Xylitol is produced from plant sources rich in xylans, such as birch bark (hence the name birch sugar), corn, cauliflower, wheat and rice. Here are the main stages in the manufacture of xylitol:

1. Extraction: Birch bark is often the preferred source for xylitol production. The bark is first shredded and ground to a fine powder, then soaked in hot water to extract the xylans.
2. Purification: The resulting solution is then purified to remove impurities and other sugars such as glucose and fructose. This step is carried out using various purification techniques, such as filtration, crystallization and chromatography.
3. Hydrogenation: The purified solution is then hydrogenated at high pressure and temperature to convert the xylans into xylitol. This chemical reaction also produces water and hydrogen.
4. Drying and packaging: After the hydrogenation reaction, xylitol is separated from water and hydrogen by evaporation, then dried and packaged as white crystals or powder.

Xylitol is used as a sugar substitute to reduce sugar consumption in food and beverages, and in oral care products to prevent tooth decay. It is also available as a dietary supplement to help reduce blood sugar levels and improve intestinal health.

Xylitol contains fewer calories than sugar and has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes. Xylitol also has antibacterial properties and can help prevent tooth decay.

Xylitol should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

The recommended amount of xylitol depends on a person's age, weight and state of health. In general, it is recommended not to consume more than 50 grams of xylitol per day.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that contains no fructose and therefore has a low glycemic index, making it a popular choice for people with diabetes or who are looking to control their blood sugar levels. However, in terms of nutritional values, xylitol has no significant nutritional value, as it contains no vitamins, minerals or essential nutrients.

Compared with table sugar, xylitol contains around 40% fewer calories - around 2.4 calories per gram, compared with 4 calories for table sugar. This makes it a lower-calorie alternative for people looking to reduce their calorie intake.

Xylitol is used in many industries, including :

1. Food industry: Xylitol is used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages such as chewing gums, candies, baked goods, jams and soft drinks.
2. The oral care industry: Xylitol is used in oral care products such as chewing gum, toothpaste and mouthwash to prevent tooth decay.
3. Pharmaceuticals: Xylitol is used as an excipient in the manufacture of certain drugs.
4. The cosmetics industry: Xylitol is used in personal care products such as moisturizers and lotions to help maintain skin hydration.
5. Animal health industry: Xylitol is used in some animal feeds to help prevent dental caries and improve oral health in animals.

Xylitol is available in different forms, each suited to specific uses. Here are the main forms of xylitol available on the market:

1. Xylitol crystals: Xylitol crystals are the most common and are used as sugar substitutes in cooking and baking. They have a granular texture similar to sugar and can be used in the same proportions.
2. Xylitol powder: Xylitol powder is similar to xylitol crystals, but has a finer texture and is often used in baked goods and powdered drinks.
3. Xylitol syrup: Xylitol syrup is a liquid alternative to sugar, often used in confectionery and beverages. It has a thick, sweet texture and can be used in the same proportions as liquid sugar.
4. Xylitol chewing gums: Xylitol chewing gums are used to improve oral health, as xylitol, enabling sugar-free gums, helps prevent tooth decay by reducing cavity-causing bacteria. They are also available as suckable lozenges.
5. Xylitol toothpaste and mouthwash: Oral care products containing xylitol help prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health by reducing cavity-causing bacteria.

Dosage: Xylitol has a sweetening power similar to sugar, but is absorbed more slowly by the body. Consumers should therefore avoid excessive consumption and take care not to exceed the recommended dose to avoid undesirable side effects (cf. the laxative effects of sweeteners). The maximum recommended daily dose for adults is around 50 grams, spread throughout the day.

Interaction with certain drugs: Xylitol may reduce the absorption of certain drugs, particularly antibiotics. Consumers should therefore consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking xylitol supplements.

Xylitol has several health benefits, including:

1. Tooth decay reduction: Xylitol has anti-caries properties and helps prevent the growth of bacteria responsible for tooth decay. It is therefore used in toothpastes, chewing gums and sugar-free candies.
2. Lower blood sugar: Xylitol has a low glycemic index, which means it doesn't raise blood sugar levels as much as ordinary sugar. This makes it a safer alternative for people with diabetes.
3. Helps weight loss: Xylitol has a lower calorie content than sugar and is often used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages to help reduce overall calorie intake.
4. Antibacterial properties: Xylitol can help combat certain harmful bacteria, especially those that cause ear and sinus infections.
5. Prebiotic effect: Xylitol can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and improve digestive health.

Xylitol's sweetening power is similar to that of white sugar, but it is slightly less sweet. Xylitol is about 1.2 times less sweet than table sugar, which means you need to use a little more to get the same sweetness as table sugar. However, the difference in taste between xylitol and table sugar is minimal, and many consumers find xylitol an excellent sugar substitute with a pleasant taste and refreshing aftertaste.