E967: Xylitol

What is E967 (Xylitol)?

Xylitol (E967) is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol (polyol) that serves as a sweetener in many food products. It has the same sweetness as sucrose (table sugar) but contains about 40% fewer calories. Unlike many other sugar substitutes, xylitol provides a pleasant cooling sensation in the mouth due to its negative heat of solution. Most notably, xylitol is actively beneficial for dental health, as it inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Source and Production

Xylitol can be obtained from several sources:

1. Natural occurrence: Found in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables, as well as being produced in the human body during normal metabolism 2. Commercial production:
   • Primarily extracted from birch trees (traditional source)
   • Produced from corn cobs and other plant materials high in xylan
   • Manufactured through hydrogenation of xylose, which is derived from xylan (a polysaccharide)
2. Production process:
   • Extraction of xylan from plant material
   • Hydrolysis of xylan to produce xylose
   • Catalytic hydrogenation of xylose to form xylitol
   • Purification and crystallization

While naturally occurring, commercial xylitol involves significant processing.

Common Uses in Food

E967 is used in a variety of food products, including:

• Chewing gum and mints
• Toothpaste and mouthwash
• Sugar-free candies and chocolates
• Diabetic food products
• Jams and preserves
• Baked goods
• Ice cream and frozen desserts
• Beverages
• Table-top sweetener
• Nutritional supplements

Functional Properties in Food

Xylitol offers several valuable properties in food applications:

• Sweetness: Provides sweetness equal to sugar
• Cooling effect: Creates a refreshing cooling sensation in the mouth
• Bulking agent: Provides body and texture similar to sugar
• Humectant: Retains moisture in products
• Crystallization control: Helps prevent unwanted crystallization
• Texture enhancement: Contributes to desirable mouthfeel
• Synergistic effects: Can enhance the sweetness of other sweeteners

Health and Safety

Safety Assessment

Xylitol has been extensively evaluated and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for human consumption. It has been approved by:

• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

No specific ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) has been established as no safety concerns were identified at typical consumption levels.

Dental Health Benefits

Xylitol is unique among sweeteners for its active dental benefits:

• Anti-cariogenic: Inhibits growth of Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria responsible for tooth decay
• Prevents adhesion: Reduces bacterial adhesion to tooth enamel
• Stimulates saliva: Increases saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids
• Remineralization: Helps remineralize tooth enamel
• pH balance: Helps maintain neutral pH in the mouth

Glycemic Properties

Xylitol has favorable properties for blood sugar management:

• Low glycemic index: GI of approximately 7-13 (compared to 65 for table sugar)
• Insulin independence: Metabolized largely independent of insulin
• Minimal blood sugar impact: Causes minimal rise in blood glucose levels
• Suitable for diabetics: Approved for use in diabetic diets

Safety Considerations

While generally very safe, some considerations include:

• Gastrointestinal effects: Consumption of large amounts (typically >30g) may cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea
• Adaptation: Digestive tolerance often improves with regular consumption
• Caloric content: Provides approximately 2.4 calories per gram (versus 4 for sugar)
• Extreme toxicity to dogs: Highly toxic to canines, even in small amounts

Regulatory Status

E967 (Xylitol) is approved for use in most countries worldwide:

• European Union: Approved as E967 with quantum satis ("as much as needed") for many applications
• United States: FDA approved as GRAS
• Australia/New Zealand: Approved as food additive 967
• Canada: Permitted as a food additive in various applications
• Japan: Approved as a food additive

Natural Status and Consumer Perception

Xylitol holds a generally favorable status among consumers:

• Natural perception: Considered natural by many consumers due to its presence in fruits and vegetables
• Clean label status: Often accepted on "clean label" products
• Health halo: Associated with dental benefits and suitability for diabetics
• Wide acceptance: One of the most positively perceived sugar alcohols

Metabolism in the Body

When consumed, xylitol undergoes the following processes:

• Absorption: Slowly and incompletely absorbed in the small intestine
• Metabolism: Metabolized via the pentose phosphate pathway, largely independent of insulin
• Energy yield: Provides approximately 2.4 calories per gram when metabolized
• Unabsorbed portion: Fermented by gut bacteria in the large intestine

Pet Toxicity Warning

A critical safety concern for xylitol is its extreme toxicity to dogs:

• Insulin release: Triggers massive insulin release in dogs, unlike in humans
• Hypoglycemia: Can cause severe drop in blood sugar within 30-60 minutes
• Liver failure: May cause liver damage and failure
• Lethal dose: As little as 0.1g/kg body weight can be dangerous
• Other animals: Less toxic to cats and most other pets

Households with dogs should be extremely cautious with xylitol-containing products.

Alternatives to E967

For those looking to avoid xylitol, alternative sweeteners include:

• Other sugar alcohols:

  • Erythritol (E968) - fewer digestive issues
  • Sorbitol (E420) - less sweet than xylitol
  • Maltitol (E965) - similar properties but higher glycemic index

• Natural sweeteners:

  • Stevia (E960)
  • Monk fruit extract
  • Honey or maple syrup (though not sugar-free)

• Artificial sweeteners:

  • Sucralose (E955)
  • Aspartame (E951)

Conclusion

E967 (Xylitol) is a versatile sweetener with a strong safety profile for humans and unique dental health benefits that set it apart from most other sweeteners. Its low glycemic impact makes it valuable for diabetics and those monitoring blood sugar levels. The low toxicity rating of 2 reflects mainly the potential for digestive discomfort when consumed in large amounts rather than any significant toxicity concerns for humans. However, the extreme toxicity to dogs is an important consideration for pet owners. Overall, xylitol represents one of the most beneficial sugar substitutes available, offering a rare combination of pleasant taste, dental benefits, and metabolic advantages.