Sweeteners and Metabolic Diseases: Xylitol as a New Player

Sweeteners are divided by their sources into natural and synthetic and by their nutritional values into nutritive and non-nutritive. Xylitol is a five carbon natural sweetener found in fibrous vegetables and fruit, which offers many health benefits to human. On oral health xylitol prevents dental caries, retards demineralization of tooth enamel, promotes remineralization of tooth enamel, increases saliva production, relieves dry mouth, protects salivary proteins, improves breath odor, reduces infections in the mouth and nasopharynx. Xylitol is a low glycaemic sweetener, which does not cause the sharp increase in blood sugar level usually seen following consumption of other carbohydrates. Thus, xylitol can be recommended as a sugar-free sweetener suitable for diabetics as well as for the general population seeking a healthier lifestyle. The reduced caloric value of xylitol, 40% fewer calories in comparison with ordinary sugar, is consistent with the objective of weight control. In conclusion, xylitol could be the ideal sweetener.