Polyols are organic compounds that contain multiple hydroxyl groups. They are also known as sugar alcohols or bulk sweeteners. Polyols can have slightly different meanings depending on whether they are used in food science or polymer chemistry. In food science, polyols are small-chain carbohydrates that occur naturally in certain fruits and vegetables or as additives in packaged foods. Some examples of polyols include sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, and isomalt. Polyols are also used as sweeteners in sugar-free chewing gum, candy, and other low-cal or carb-free foods.
Polyols are classified according to their chemistry, and some of these chemistries include polyether, polyester, polycarbonate, and acrylic polyols. Polyether polyols may be further subdivided and classified as polyethylene oxide or polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), and Polytetrahydrofuran or PTMEG. Polycaprolactone polyols are also commercially available.
Polyols can have a laxative effect and cause bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea, especially for those who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) . Some people with IBS have had breath testing for one or both of these sugars indicating different levels of absorption, but unfortunately, this does not indicate whether the sugar is contributing to your symptoms. A more reliable way to find out if polyols are problematic for you is to initiate a polyol-restricted diet followed by a “test-to-tolerance” trial.
In summary, polyols are organic compounds that contain multiple hydroxyl groups. They are used as sweeteners in sugar-free chewing gum, candy, and other low-cal or carb-free foods. Polyols can have a laxative effect and cause bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea, especially for those who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
