Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Karen W. on 13/12/2008 11:06:29

Title: What exactly is sugar alcohol and how do they make it?
Post by: Karen W. on 13/12/2008 11:06:29

I know it is loaded with empty calories  and it is derived I assume from sugar,... but has it fermented or what? How does this process come about.. and why have I just started noticing sugar alcohols being listed on food labels..? I never used to see them!!!

Title: What exactly is sugar alcohol and how do they make it?
Post by: Bored chemist on 13/12/2008 15:47:31

There are a collection of compounds collectively know as sugar alcohols. They are generally derived from sugars (often glucose) by chemical transformation. Sometimes that transformation is brough about by yeast or bacterial fermentation. On the whole that act as low calorie or (in some cases) zero calorie sweetners.
There's more about them here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_alcohols

Title: What exactly is sugar alcohol and how do they make it?
Post by: Karen W. on 13/12/2008 16:56:17

Thanks... that is interesting.... I had no idea it was used in sugar free  substitutes and could still cause trouble to some people....