Xylitol: What is it Used For

Are you trying to find healthier ways to satisfy your sweet tooth? Meet Xylitol! This natural sugar substitute is quickly becoming a favorite amongst those turning a new leaf towards a healthier lifestyle. Xylitol produces a natural sweetness comparable to sugar but with fewer calories and several potential benefits.

Curious to learn more about this "sweet secret?" Then this article is for you. We'll tell you everything you need to know about Xylitol, including its many uses, benefits, and potential risks. Discover how easy it is to add this sweetener to your diet, from cooking delicious pastries to enjoying simple things like coffee and tea.

What is Xylitol?

 Xylitol has earned a name in the health and culinary worlds due to its similar taste to sugar but with a lower glycemic index, fewer calories, and no insulin spike. The popular sweetener belongs to a class of compounds known as sugar alcohols or polyols. You can find xylitol in nature because it's present in many fruits and vegetables, so most consider it a natural product rather than an artificial sweetener.

Manufacturers primarily source xylitol from corn cobs or hardwood trees, mainly birch. The extraction process starts by isolating xylan (a polymer in plant cell walls) from the plant material. It is then hydrolyzed into xylose, which is finally hydrogenated to form xylitol. The result is a white, crystalline substance that looks and tastes like regular sugar.

While it has many similarities to sugar, xylitol does have several defining characteristics that make it stand out. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, xylitol contains 40% fewer calories, delivering just 2.4 calories for every gram.

Half the calorie content of sugar is good news, but a glycemic index of just 7 compared to 60 or 70 for sugar makes xylitol even more exciting.

These characteristics of xylitol make it an ideal substitute for people on a low-glycemic diet. It can also make diabetes easier to manage as people with the disease don't have to give up all the tasty treats that make life more fun.

Health Benefits of Xylitol

Beyond its lower calorie content and reduced impact on blood sugar, Xylitol also stands out for its many potential health benefits.

Let's start with dental health. Unlike sugar, xylitol does not metabolize with the bacteria that cause cavities. Xylitol-containing fluoride toothpaste fights the bacteria that cause tooth decay while helping prevent plaque buildup and cavities.

The sweetener creates a neutral pH level in the mouth, which helps prevent tooth decay and improves oral health. That's why many dentists suggest chewing sugar-free chewing gum or candies that contain xylitol after meals. These same properties make xylitol an excellent addition to mouthwash.

If your goal is to keep your weight in check, xylitol is a great sugar alternative because it has fewer calories. Switching from sugar to xylitol lets you cut down on calories while still indulging in your favorite sweets.

But that's not all; early studies hint at xylitol potentially boosting bone health. Research on rats suggests that the sweetener might boost bone density and enhance mineral content, indicating a potential role in osteoporosis prevention. But we need more research to know the true extent of its benefits.

On top of everything, xylitol could be a game changer for those who often deal with annoying sinus and ear infections. It's added to certain nasal sprays and ear drops to prevent bacteria from sticking, thus helping to reduce the risk of infection.

All these potential benefits help to demonstrate how integrating xylitol into your diet could be the sweetest option in more ways than one. Whether striving for better dental health, managing diabetes, watching your waistline, or looking for bone health support, xylitol is a versatile ingredient. Not all sugars have to leave a bitter aftertaste on your health, and xylitol is living proof. Remember, it's not entirely without calories, so moderation is still key!

Cooking and Baking with Xylitol

When you are craving some sweetness in your day with baked goods, a nice cup of tea, or homemade desserts, it's good to know that you can rely on xylitol to help you indulge without guilt.

One thing cooks love most about Xylitol is it's easy and safe to use in cooking and baking. Unlike other sweetening alternatives that leave a strange aftertaste or change the texture of your food, Xylitol produces a clean, sugar-like taste.

It doesn't affect the food's texture or appearance and has proven heat stability, making it ideal for all sorts of baked goodies, from cookies and cakes to pies and pastries.

The healthier sugar alternative has the same sweetness level as sugar, so you can usually substitute it in a 1:1 ratio in your favorite recipes.  However, there are exceptions to every rule. For example, you can't use xylitol as a sugar substitute in recipes that use yeast to make the dough rise. Xylitol's anti-fungal properties prevent it from reacting with the yeast.

The sweet additive makes a great addition to hot and cold beverages. Sweeten your coffee, tea, homemade lemonade, or smoothies without worrying about the added calories of regular sugar. Even better, it dissolves quickly and leaves no residue, ensuring your drinks have a clean, refreshing sweetness.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Xylitol

While xylitol is generally safe and beneficial for human consumption, you must be aware of potential side effects before you make it a regular part of your diet. Like other sugar alcohols, xylitol has been known to cause digestive discomfort in some people.

Symptoms may include gas, bloating, and diarrhea. These effects are more pronounced when you first start substituting with xylitol. However, continued use most often results in symptoms subsiding over time.

People with irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive sensitivities should probably approach xylitol (and all sugar alcohols) with some caution. However, it's worth noting that xylitol is considered the least likely to cause issues out of all sugar alcohols.

Xylitol is proven safe for people but is highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause hypoglycemia, liver failure, and potentially death in dogs. Always keep xylitol-containing products out of reach of your pets. 

When substituting with xylitol, going slow and giving your body time to adjust can usually mitigate minor side effects. Remember that moderation is essential with any sweetener, including xylitol. As the saying goes, "Too much of a good thing..."

We always recommend discussing any significant changes to your diet with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or weight issues. This way, you can get the complete picture of safe quantities and what to expect from your dietary changes.

As you can see, xylitol offers plenty of health and taste benefits,  but it's vital to remember it's still a form of sweetener. Using it as a tool in a balanced nutritional strategy rather than for adding more sweet foods to your diet is the key to harnessing its power for health. A mix of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sensible lifestyle choices is the best recipe for a healthier, sweeter life.

How Xylitol is Produced

Typically xylitol is made and produced chemically from wood sugar or xylose. Xylose is formed in the tissue of many plants such as corncobs, coconuts, and birchwood.  Here in the United States, there is a procedure that has been developed to produce xylitol from GM microorganisms. It is also noted that glucose can be the main substance for the production of xylitol.                                                                                                                                                               Xylitol is produced to be a sugar replacement but is also harvested by tapping birch trees that produce birch sap. Birch sap is used in many foods, drinks and flavored candy. Xylitol is also produced and extracted from corn. Although there are a few different ways that xylitol is produced, the most common way is by hydrogenation of xylose, a conversion process that turns the sugar into a primary alcohol. It can also be produced through microbial processes.

An interesting debate in the xylitol world is if xylitol extract is superior from birch trees or corn. Although there isn’t extensive research and hasn’t been clinically proven, what we do know is that the corn source of xylitol is less expensive to produce, much more environmentally friendly and the chemical composition is nearly identical.

Xylitol is also found naturally in low concentrations of fibers. It can be found in berries and other fruits, it is in mushrooms, and vegetables.

Xylitol in Oral Rinse

Coolmint

The name describes this oral rinse plain and simple. It’s cool, refreshing, has a delicious minty taste, and because it’s made with xylitol, it provides unique dental benefits.

• It’s quick and easy to use
• Reaches parts of the mouth the toothbrush can’t
• Recommended by health professionals worldwide
• Proven to improve your oral health 

Spearmint  

This oral rinse is amazingly refreshing and just like the other two is made with all natural ingredients which will keep your mouth clean from bacteria.

• Contains no polysorbate
• Contains no sodium benzoate
• Made with a new and improved formula

Wintergreen 

This unique flavor instantly provides a clean and fresh taste. Here are some tips for best use.

• Use for at least 30 seconds (60 seconds recommended)
• Use after brushing (see our toothpaste recommendations)
• Use at least once daily, morning or night

Xylitol and Dogs

Xylitol is clinically proven to be safe for humans and it's becoming increasingly popular because of its usefulness to diabetics, people that may be on a low carb diet or just anyone who is looking for a product to improve dental health. However, due to different biological structure, xylitol can be dangerous to dogs. The purpose of this post is to increase awareness and protect dogs from any accidental ingestion.

Most people throughout the world know that chocolate is harmful to dogs. Chocolate contains a chemical ingredient called theobromine. Theobromine is somewhat similar to caffeine and is extremely toxic to a dog when ingesting between 100-150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.  Chocolate and xylitol alike are perfectly safe and delicious for humans but potentially dangerous to man's best friend.

Small amounts of xylitol may cause low blood sugar, liver failure, seizures or in some cases death in dogs. When a dog eats xylitol, the process of digestion is completely different. Both dogs and humans have their level of blood sugar controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. When a dog eats xylitol, a potent release of insulin from the pancreas occurs because the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. The speedy release of insulin results in an incredibly fast decrease in the dogs level of blood sugar. Within 10-60 minutes, the decrease of your dogs blood sugar level could be life threatening. 

So what are symptoms of dog xylitol poisoning?

• Difficulty walking
• Unable to stand
• Seizures
• Depression 
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Coma

How is xylitol poisoning for dogs treated? 

If you believe your dog has consumed xylitol then timely treatment is needed. Your veterinarian is essential to removing and reversing all toxic effects and prevent the possible development of severe damage. Your veterinarian may induce vomiting, perform blood work to determine your dog's blood glucose and potassium levels, and may require your dog to be hospitalized for monitoring, liver protectants, intravenous fluids, dextrose administration, and other supportive care. 

Tips to prevent your dog from eating xylitol: 

1. Keep your xylitol products sealed and up high where your canine can't reach.
2. After using xylitol you should put your product in a pantry or cupboard.
3. Sweep up any accidental spills and make sure you throw away your used xylitol gum.
4. Inform your family members (especially children) about the dangers of xylitol and dogs.
5. Keep your xylitol products in a place your dog is not allowed.

Xylitol Products for Children

We provide a wide range of products made specifically for children. These products have been clinically tested and proven 100% safe for use. Health professionals worldwide recommend these produces because of the benefits from using xylitol across a wide range of health applications.

Children’s Nasal Spray

Our Kid’s Xlear Sinus Care Nasal Spray is very easy to use and was designed so that it can be easily administered by the parent.

• Comes in an EASY open and use package
• Is made with natural ingredients and has NO harmful or addictive ingredients
• The ONLY nasal spray on the market that contains the unique blend of xylitol and saline

• Allergies
• Infections
• Congestion
• Nasal dryness

We recommend daily use and at least twice daily for best results. If you are looking for a safe product that will provide clean nasal passages and moisturizing results than we guarantee you’ll love this product!

Children’s Tooth Gel

Our Spry Kid’s Tooth Gel and Baby Tooth Gel Combo Kit are products that your children will absolutely love! Made for children ages 3 months and up, your children can have their choice of three different delicious flavors that bring all of the oral health benefits from xylitol.

• Comes in Original, Bubble Gum, or Strawberry Banana flavors.
• Cleans gum, teeth, is safe to swallow, and promotes positive hygiene.
• Fluoride-Free and made with xylitol and other natural ingredients.
• Helps maintain and develop great hygiene habits at an early age.
• Non-allergenic and invented by mom-dental hygienist.

We believe it’s important for your children to learn to take care of their oral health at a very young age. Our products are the perfect auxiliary in preventing bad hygienic habits. 

Xylitol Is The Best Tooth-Friendly Sugar Substitute

We know that you’re here looking at our products because you care about your teeth. We want you to have a clean and healthy mouth. Xylitol has been clinically proven to help fight cavities, remove plaque, and build a defensive system to prevent caries from starting.

Maybe you didn’t always care about your oral health and because of that you now need a better, safe, and healthy alternative to products that aren’t protecting your mouth.

With every purchase you should ask yourself this question, “Is the product I’m buying a ‘toothfriendly’ product?” It has a clean minty flavor, but is it actually healthy for your teeth?

How do you identify a “tooth-friendly” product?

• They can be taken at any given time.
• They have no risk to your teeth.
• They have passed tests and results show no dental harm.
• They are certified safe by the tooth-friendly international association.

Some early studies in Finland on xylitol in the 1970s showed that cavity-causing bacteria preferred sucrose-flavored gum (most regular chewing gum). However, xylitol flavored gum resulted in nearly two fewer cavities or missing teeth. Xylitol is the best sugar substitute if you are looking to improve your dental health.

Along with all of the dental benefits that xylitol provides, xylitol has shown to help some people with reducing the craving for sweets. So if you’re an addict to sweets and need a product to keep you satisfied, we’ve got all the right products right here.

There are other tooth-friendly sugar substitutes, why should I choose xylitol?

•  *Xylitol gives the best dental health benefits over any other sugar substitute*

If you’re just looking for a sugar replacement – you should be happy with your choice. Choose one that also aids in preventing cavities, has fewer calories than sugar, and promotes amazing oral health!

Xylitol vs Sugar

Answers to frequent questions about xylitol

1) What is xylitol?

Xylitol is naturally found in nature. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used as a replacement to help keep your mouth healthy. Unlike other sugar replacements, xylitol is actively beneficial for dental health because it reduces all caries to a third and also is helpful to remineralization. Remineralization is a process in which minerals are returned to the molecular structure of the tooth itself. 

Many have a misunderstanding that xylitol is merely a sugar replacement. While this is true, there are many products with xylitol that can help keep your teeth and oral problems away. Here at AllXylitol we have researched and found the best products to help keep your mouth healthy while enjoying a great flavor. The taste is very difficult to differentiate from sugar but the benefits are truly amazing.  

2) What are the benefits of xylitol?

Xylitol has 33% fewer calories than sucrose with roughly the same sweetness. It has been proven to reduce the incidence of middle ear infection in children who use it daily (chewing gum, nasal spray, etc). Xylitol is safe for people with diabetes because it does not affect insulin levels. That being said, it does affect dog insulin levels and can be deadly to them. So please... don't let your dog eat your homework or your xyiltol products!

3) Can xylitol improve my dental/oral health?

Xylitol can most definitely help improve oral and dental health! Daily use has shown to help stop the production of tooth-decay. It can do this because of it's noncariogenic five-carbon structure that keeps it from being metabolized by bacteria. Regular use of xyiltol can prevent plaque from gaining hold on dental surfaces. Xylitol enhances the remineralization of teeth, decreases bacteria, and can help make cavities less sensitive by killing bacteria. 

4) Is xylitol recommended by dentists?

Yes! Dentists recommend frequency as being more important than quantity when taking xyilitol products. Dentists recommend that we replace the carbohydrates and sugars that are in the mouth with xyiltol. We can do this with mints that you suck on, gum that you chew, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc. Anything that stimulates saliva and helps wash out sugar resiudes or whatever we recently ate.  

"Dentists and nutritionists alike encourage the use of xylitol due to its unique and clinically proven dental benefits."

Benefits of Xylitol in Oral Care

Xylitol has long been used in dental care.  It is often an ingredient in different dental products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash and chewing gum.  There are many benefits associated with using this sugar alcohol as part of your dental care routine.

Dental Carries

Dental carries result from bacteria and this sugar alcohol can help to prevent the growth of the bacteria.  When you use xylitol regularly there will be a reduced amount of the bacteria known to cause carries, referred to as mutans streptococci.  This can be found in the saliva and plaque.  Using xylitol long-term can help to reduce lactobacilli growth.  Remineralization can also be accomplished with the use of this sugar alcohol.   Demineralization occurs when your teeth are exposed to high amounts of acid or sugar, when oral hygiene is not up to par and when there is tooth damage.  Remineralization means that the lost minerals are returned to the tooth's molecular structure, strengthening your teeth. 

Oral Plaque

Plaque builds up in your mouth throughout the day, but using products that contain xylitol throughout the day can help to make this plaque less carinogenic.  If you chew gum that contains xylitol after eating, for example, you can help to prevent plaque-related acid production.  This will help to keep your tooth enamel strong.  This sugar alcohol also makes it hard for plaque to adhere to your teeth so that when you do brush, plaque comes off a lot easier.  This also helps to prevent plaque buildup.  

Fluoride Enhancement

Studies have been done to look at how xylitol and fluoride can work together to help strengthen and protect the teeth.  It has been shown that regular xylitol use can improve the effects of fluoride, and in some cases, it is more effective than fluoride.  Research shows that the most benefit is seen when these are both used regularly and together because they have a cumulative effect.

Xylitol as a nasal spray ingredient

Xylitol has a variety of uses and one of these is as a nasal spray.  When used as a nasal spray, it is often combined with saline to both clear and soothe your nose and nasal passages.  This sugar alcohol is all natural and it is found in most plant material.  

How to Use a Xylitol Nasal Spray

You will use it like you use any other type of nasal spray and should follow the instructions on the package or follow your doctor's prescription.  The general way to use a nasal spray is to insert the nozzle into your of your nostrils while pressing down on the opposite nostril.  You will use one to two sprays in each nostril and breath only through your nose while using the spray.  These sprays are generally used two times a day, once in the morning and once at night.

How Does Xylitol Work as a Nasal Spray?

This sugar alcohol plays many roles when used in nasal sprays.  The following explains why Xylitol is an effective nasal spray ingredient:

• Harmful bacteria has a difficult time sticking to the cells inside the nose when Xylitol is present.  This prevents bacteria from settling and causing an infection.
• When this is present in a saline nasal spray, it reduces the salt concentration.  This is important because too much salt in the airway surface can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics.
• Your nose naturally cleans itself and this sugar alcohol helps to encourage it to clean itself even more effectively.

This type of nasal spray can also be helpful for nasal allergies and other issues that are triggered by nasal allergies.  Regular use of a Xylitol nasal spray can be helpful for the following:

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Feeling like you need to sneeze

This spray can also keep your nasal passages clear to help prevent issues like asthma, which can be triggered by irritants in the nose.