Title: Alternative Sweeteners

Xylitol 353
Human tolerance of high oral doses of xylitol has been investigated in
numerous studies with healthy and diabetic volunteers. The results of these studies
invariably demonstrate the good tolerance even of extremely high intakes (up
to 200 g/day) of xylitol. Adverse changes of clinical parameters were not observed.
The only side effect that was occasionally noted was transient laxation
and gastrointestinal discomfort (16,215,221–224). Such effects are generally observed
after consumption of high doses of polyols and slowly digestible carbohydrates
(e.g., lactose). The slow absorption of these compounds from the gut and
the resulting osmotic imbalance are considered to be the cause of these effects,
which are readily reversible on cessation or reduction of the amounts consumed.
With continued exposure, tolerance usually develops (225,226).
XI. REGULATORY STATUS
On a supranational level, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives
(JECFA) has allocated an acceptable daily intake (ADI) ‘‘not specified,’’
the most favorable ADI possible, for xylitol (227) and the Scientific Committee
for Food for the European Economic Community (EEC) proposed ‘‘acceptance’’
of this polyol in 1984. On a national level, xylitol is approved for foods, cosmetics,
and pharmaceuticals in many countries. Claims such as ‘‘noncariogenic’’ or
‘‘safe for teeth’’ may be applied where permitted.
REFERENCES
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