
Polyols, also known as sugar-alcohols, are a group of naturally sweet carbohydrates that are found in a number of plants, stone fruits, vegetables and their fibres. Polyols are commonly used to replace sugar in many sugar-free foods, toothpastes, diabetic confections; some are formulated for use in pharmaceutical products. Sugar alcohols offer several physiological benefits such as reducing the glycaemic response after eating, preventing tooth decay, supporting a healthy blood glucose level and assisting in weight management due to their low calorie count. Although sweet tasting, they are sugar-free; and this is a confusing dynamic to understand!