Determination of Sugar Alcohols: Taste and Health Analysis in Food Products

Why Determination of Sugar Alcohols?

Sugar alcohols are important compounds, especially used in diet and low-calorie products. The use of sugar alcohols such assorbitol, xylitol and maltitol has become widespread in the food industry because these compounds offer a similar taste profile to sugar, but contain fewer calories. Sugar alcohols also offer an important alternative for diabetics or people looking to control weight. However, sensitivity is required regarding the health effects of these compounds and their correct use in food products. Therefore, the determination of sugar alcohols plays a critical role in food safety and quality control.

What are Sugar Alcohols?

Sugar alcohols or polyhydroxyalcohols are derivatives of sugars that have been substituted with hydrogen atoms and converted into alcohols. Sugar alcohols have similar sweetness properties to sugars, but they generally have less effect on blood sugar levels and are absorbed more slowly during digestion. Common types of sugar alcohols are:

Sorbitol: The most common of the sugar alcohols and is found in fruit and some processed foods.
Xylitol: A sugar alcohol known to be tooth-friendly and is used in products such as chewing gum and toothpaste.
Maltitol: Another popular sugar alcohol used as a sweetener instead of sugar.
Erythritol: Contains fewer calories than other sugar alcohols and is often preferred in low-calorie products.

What are the Sugar Alcohols Commonly Used in Food Products?

Erythritol
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates
Isomalt
Lactitol
Mannitol
Maltitol
Sorbitol
Xylitol

Use of Sugar Alcohols in Food Products

The use of sugar alcohols in the food industry is widespread, usually in low-calorie, dietary products and foods for diabetics. Some of the main uses of sugar alcohols are as follows:

Confectionery and chocolates: Sugar alcohols are used as sweeteners.
Low-calorie drinks: The use of sugar alcohols reduces the calorie content of these drinks.
Dental health products: Sugar alcohols, such as xylitol, are used in dental health products as they do not cause tooth decay.
Providing a perfect taste profile: Sugar alcohols offer the sweetness of sugar with fewer calories.

Sugar alcohols used as additives in packaged foods for various purposes can be detected by laboratory analysis.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Determination of Sugar Alcohols. We also provide services in the determination of Food Additives.

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