Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found in many plants and fruits.Xylitol is used as a sweetener in food and medicines due to its added benefits as compared to the normal sugar.Xylitol is also known as sugar free sweetener because it is as sweet as simple sucrose and have less calories.It does not increase the blood sugar level so can be used in diabetic patients as well.
The word xylitol is derived from xylos or wood sugar because the xylitol first was extracted from birch trees so it is also known as birch xylitol.Xylitol sugar is a type of carbohydrates which are known as sugar alcohol or polyols.
Other Names Of Xylitol
The other names of xylitol sweetener are as follow,
- Xylifilm
- Xylisorb
- Xylite
- Xylitolo
- E967
- Klinit
- Birch Sugar
Uses Of Xylitol
Xylitol is used as
- Sweetener
- Antimicrobial Preservative
- Tablet Coating Agent
- Humectant
- Emollient
- Tablet & Capsule Diluent
Xylitol In Pharmaceutical Products
- Xylitol is used as a sweetener to mask the taste of bitter drugs in manufacturing of different pharmaceutical dosage forms like tablets and syrups.
- Xylitol is also used as a diluent in the manufacturing of tablets and capsules and usually it is used in chewable tablets to give sweet taste.
- In liquid form it is used in manufacturing of syrups and one most important added benefit is that xylitol does not crystallize around the neck of bottles like sugar so it prevents Cap locking problem.
- Xylitol is used as a sweetener in preparation of sugar free formulations.
- Xylitol is used in tablet coating in 65% w/w concentration.
- Xylitol is also used in manufacturing of different infusions as a source of energy.
- Xylitol is also used in the manufacturing of toothpastes.
Xylitol In Cosmetic Products
Xylitol is used in cosmetic products to give a humectant and emollient effect.
Also Read
Role of Lactose in tablet manufacturing.
Availability
Xylitol is available in following forms
- Granular Xylitol
- Powder Xylitol
- Xylitol Solution
Stability Of Xylitol
- Stability data of xylitol shows that it is stable to the heat.Granular and powder form of xylitol form cake so should be used within 6 months.
- Crystalline form of xylitol remains stable for 3 years if it is placed at a temperature of 25°C and RH less than 65%.
Storage
- Xylitol should be stored at a cool and dry place.
Incompatibility
- It is incompatible with oxidizing agents.
Health Benefits Of Xylitol
- Xylitol is one of the most important ingredients used in our daily life as a sugar substitute in jams,gums,
- jellies,yogurt and candies.
- Xylitol has many health benefits which are as follow,
Xylitol Diabetes
- Xylitol is as sweet as sucrose and has low calories.
- Xylitol as a sweetener has low glycemic index means if we use xylitol it does not increase sugar level in blood.
- Due to this property xylitol is beneficial for diabetic patients.
Xylitol For Teeth
- It is common advice to children and other people not to eat sugar in excess because it will damage your teeth. The reason is that fermentation of sugar in the mouth results in tooth decay.
- Xylitol results in prevention of tooth decay because xylitol is not fermented to harmful acid.
- In the oral cavity the bacteria Streptococcus mutans result in production of plaque ,this plaque accumulates lactic acid over the tooth and this lactic acid results in tooth decay.
- The use of xylitol results in reduction of Streptococcus mutans so plaque production is also reduced and gives protection against tooth decay.
Xylitol For Ears Infection
The bacteria which results in production of plaque in humans also results in production of sticky material behind the eardrum in the middle ear of humans and the condition is known as Acute Otitis Media (AOM).
AOM results in pain and discharge from the ear.The use of xylitol results in reduction in AOM.
Does Xylitol Cause Cancer?
Xylitol does not have carcinogenic effects because it is not fermented into carcinogenic acid end products.
No data is available to prove its carcinogenic effect.
Side Effects Of Xylitol
Recommended doses of xylitol does not results in any harm but high does may results in,
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Intestinal Gas
How Bad is Xylitol For You?
Xylitol is in approved list of FDA and is safe to use but in higher dose it may result in above mentioned side effects.
Xylitol Products
Some commonly used products in which xylitol is used are as follow,
- Toothpastes
- James & Jallies
- Gums
- Sugar Free Candies
- Cereals
- Mouthwashes
Reference
Handbook Of Pharmaceutical Excipients
Popular Posts