xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables and produced commercially from hardwood trees such as birch. It is widely used as a sugar substitute in "sugar-free" chewing gums, mints, candies, oral care products (toothpaste and mouthwash), and some pharmaceuticals. Medically and nutritionally classified as a small molecule sweetener (polyol), xylitol is non-fermentable by most oral bacteria. Its primary mechanism of action involves inhibiting the growth of *Streptococcus mutans* and other cariogenic bacteria by disrupting their energy production through an intracellular futile cycle that leads to reduced acid production and bacterial death[5][6][8]. This results in decreased dental caries risk. Xylitol also reduces the adhesion of these microorganisms to tooth surfaces[6]. Additionally, it has been studied for prevention of acute otitis media in children due to its antibacterial effects on nasopharyngeal flora[1][3]. It causes less elevation in blood glucose than sucrose or glucose when ingested orally[5]. The FDA recognizes xylitol as safe for use as a food additive.

Brand names

XilitolXylitSucre de Bouleau

Other names

birch sugarxylite