Question:
Sugar free candies have something called sugar alcohol..is this ok for us??

please reply to me directly...thanks a bunch amos family... jeanne lap rny 1/16/03...down 49 lbs..:>    — jjettrox (posted on March 21, 2003)

March 21, 2003
The thing to remember about sugar alcohols is that they DO have calories (9 per gram I think) and that they can cause as many problems for you as sugar. I for one (and I am not alone) get gassy when I eat more than a little sugar alcohol. I have even "dumped" on sugar free stuff before (probably not true dumping but I felt bad either way). I limit my intake of sugar-free stuff just like I do refined sugars because too much makes me feel bad. One benefit I do see with the sugar alcohols is that they don't seem to trigger cravings the way real sugar does. I had a big problem with refined sugar last month and had to cut it out. I still had some sugar free foods because when I started the moratorium I was having cravings BIG TIME. After a few days off the sugar, my cravings subsided and I was eating a lot less and I felt a lot better.<p>I have found one good brand of sugar-free chocolate (At Last!--that's the name although that was also the way I felt when I ate it LOL). It is far and away a lot tastier than the other brands out there AND it uses splenda. Generally my mouth and brain are NOT fooled by the fake stuff. I do not have a problem with fruit sugars and have used granulated fructose in place of regular sugar to bake. That eliminates the dumping AND the gas for me--and it tastes the same to boot. Of course then you have to STILL make sure you limit your quantities because it still has calories! LOL Hope this helps! :)
   — ctyst

March 21, 2003

   — jkb

March 21, 2003
I dump on anything with Malitol (sugar alcohol) in it. I feel HORRIBLE after I ear even a little bit of it. Of course this doesn't happen with everyone, but be careful when eating it for the first time
   — fropunka

March 21, 2003
Makes me think about all of the changes in the nurtition labels on all of the low carb bars. Manufacturers are now being required to label and include sugar alcohols as a part of the carbohydrates...whereas they never have before. Which is why so many "low carb" bars are now either being relabled or showing up with carbs in the 15-30 gram range. Two manufacturers claim that the body does not treat these as true carbs so "not to worry", but the previous article really will make me think next time I go to grab a protein bar! It may also explain why the bars tend to make me feel a little dumpy. Good question...and thanks for the info!
   — eaamc

March 21, 2003
Generally speaking, sugar alcohols are OK for us.....that is, they shouldn't make us dump; however, whenever you see these in the ingredients in something, there will usually be a note that says this product may cause a laxative effect. Sugar alcohols don't make me sick at all, but sometimes gives me gas! For other dessert alternatives,check out my web page for sample recipes, photos and ordering information for a recipe book for making great RNY-safe desserts. www.freewebs.com/recipes-after-rny
   — Lynette B.

March 21, 2003
They're an awesome laxative for some! If I get really plugged up I eat a couple of sugar-free cookies. Watch out!
   — [Deactivated Member]