Question:
What exactly is sugar alcohol?

I am 1 year post op & down 140 pounds...I bought some Sugar free Oreo cookies the other day, I only eat one at a time when I have a sweet tooth. I am just curious, they have 0g sugar, but 7g Sugar alcohol...what is the difference? I have a tendency to dump VERY easily, but I handle one of these cookies just fine. I only eat one cookie every 2 or 3 days. Any info would be appreciated!    — TraciB06 (posted on July 28, 2006)

July 28, 2006
It is produced naturaly in fruits and berries and is used as a sweetening agent in food.It is often in foods for diabetics.
   — Rebecka

July 28, 2006
I know if I buy sugar free stuff and it has too much sugar alcohols I still get sick. That's just me though. It may be different for you. I stick to popsicles when I have a sweet tooth. Every now and then I venture out and I'll take a chance. But then when I've done that I normally regret it. (Lying on the couch like i'm about to die.) be careful.
   — Colleen S.

July 28, 2006
Sugar alcohols break down slower in your system than sugar, thus causing less of an insulin release. They can cause diarrhea however. Not all sugar alcohols are natural, per se. They may be derived from natural sources, but they have been manipulated. Xylitol is a natural sweetener, but it's usually found more in gums than anything.
   — Dinka Doo

July 31, 2006
Sugar alcohol is essentially sugar and you should treat it as such. I am diabetic, so I am used to doing that. Sugar is sugar!
   — Novashannon