Question:
What is sugar alchol?

I've seen it on sugar free candy boxes. Russel Stovers has sugar candy but it has 21gms of sugar alchol(sp) Just what is that?    — Debi F. (posted on December 17, 2002)

December 17, 2002
Hello! I don't know exactly what sugar alcohols are, but I hear from others that it can give you bad gas, cramping and diarrhea if you eat too much -- and this is for people who've had surgery AND people who haven't had weight loss surgery. I highly recommend using Splenda, fructose or turbinado sugar for baking to get great taste, but you have to experiment. Check out my profile page for a great recipe book or www.freewebs.com/recipes-after-rny for sample recipes, photos and ordering information. Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.

December 17, 2002
Sugar alcohols are sweeteners that are used to sweeten foods that are intentionally very sweet such as candy, cookies, and taffy etc. They are sugar free. No calories. They do not affect your blood sugar and you will not "dump". They do have a laxative effect if you eat too much of it. If you lean towards constipation, a piece or 2 of Russell Stovers chocolate is all you will need, a mild, gentle laxative.
   — Dana S.