Maltitol syrup is a sugar alcohol used in low-carb, sugar-free products. It has fewer carbs than sugar and doesn’t contribute to tooth decay, but may cause gastrointestinal problems and has a higher glycemic index than other artificial sweeteners. It is recommended to start with small amounts and consider alternatives like erythritol-based sweeteners.
Maltitol syrup is made from maltitol, a sugar alcohol or polyol used in low-carb, sugar-free products such as diet snacks, nutrition bars, and candies. Like most sugar alternatives and low-carb sweeteners, maltitol has only a fraction of the carbohydrates in real sugar, yet is sweet enough to produce the equivalent taste in the products in which it is used. Unlike real sugar, it does not contribute to tooth decay. As with all other food and cooking additives, however, studies show both positives and negatives to using.
Maltitol syrup’s primary use is in low-carb foods for dieters, but it can also be used by diabetics who need to reduce their sugar intake. The sugar substitute is quite popular, but has come under some criticism lately. Studies have shown that it is not as low in carbohydrates as previously thought. Manufacturers have always said that one gram of maltitol syrup provides about two calories, which is half of the four calories provided by one gram of real sugar. However, actual analyzes indicate that the number of calories per gram of maltitol is closer to three, not two.
Additionally, maltitol syrup has a fairly high glycemic index of 52, which is pretty close to 60, the index for table sugar. Maltitol powder has a lower glycemic index of 36, but this is still higher than that of other artificial sweeteners. Because of these numbers, maltitol may not be as effective for dieting and reducing carbohydrate intake as you might think. Some people even argue that the use of maltitol may be the real reason why some dieters fail to reach their target weights despite their controlled diets.
Another related issue is the potential for side effects with maltitol. Some people who consume maltitol experience gastrointestinal problems, especially diarrhea. Others suffer from stomach cramps, intestinal gas and bloating. These things happen because, like other sugar alcohols, maltitol syrup is absorbed very slowly in the digestive tract. So it can produce a laxative effect. When large quantities of maltitol are consumed, there is an increased likelihood of it causing diarrhea. It is therefore recommended to take small amounts of maltitol initially to judge how the body will react to it. When no side effects occur, the amount taken can be gradually increased.
You can also try using maltitol alternatives that are lower in calories but approach the sweetness of table sugar. Many dietitians recommend erythritol-based sweeteners such as sucralose. These sugar substitutes are also less likely to lead to the experience of gastrointestinal side effects.
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