Question:
Do we need to count sugar alcohols as carbs?

Do we need to count sugar alcohols as carbs? I notice that a lot of the "sugar-free" treats have carbs that are labled as "sugar alcohol". What exactly does this mean? And do we need to "count" those as carbs?    — S M. (posted on April 8, 2003)

April 8, 2003
Sugar alcohols are absorbed by the body much more slowly than glucose (table sugar) or some of the other sugars. I can't remember right off, but I doubt that the amount of carbs is anything to worry about. However, you do need to know that sugar alcohols (anything that ends in 'itol') can have a laxative effect. For some people that may mean they can only eat one piece and others may be able to have a little more than that. Proceed with caution when using them. Trust me on this. Been there, done that!
   — garw

April 9, 2003
If you go to the library and look this up, I think you will find a previous answer with some good info on this. Someone had posted quite detailed info about the various kinds of sugar alcohols and the carb contents for them about a month ago.
   — eaamc