Sugar alcohol - Definition and Overview

A sugar alcohol (also known as a polyol, polyhydric alcohol, or polyalcohol) is a hydrogenated form of carbohydrate, whose carbonyl group (aldehyde or ketone, reducing sugar) has been reduced to a primary or secondary hydroxyl group. They are commonly used as artificial sweeteners. Some common sugar alcohols are:

• mannitol
• sorbitol
• xylitol
• maltitol
• lactitol

(Maltitol and lactitol are actually compounds containing a monosaccharide combined with a polyhydric alcohol)

In the human body, sugar alcohols are metabolized differently than sugar. They are usually incompletely absorbed in the intestines, via insulin-independent mechanisms. Because of their lessened caloric value and impact on the blood sugar, they are often used by diabetics, and followers of low-carbohydrate diets such as the Atkins' Diet. Abdominal discomfort, bloating, and a laxative effect are commonly reported side effects of excess sugar alcohol consumption.

Polyhydric alcohols not normally referred to as "sugar alcohols" include:

• ethylene glycol
• glycerol