Content
The harm and benefits of xylitol are controversial. In the food industry, the additive is labeled E967. It is a naturally occurring sugar substitute. It is added to various products to enhance the taste and is used on an industrial scale.
What is food grade xylitol
Xylitol is presented in the form of snow-white crystals that do not differ in a pronounced odor. It is of natural origin and is highly soluble in ethers and alcohol. In fatty solvents, its decomposition is impossible. In the composition of products, the additive is labeled as E967.
The substance acts not only as a sweetener, but also as a stabilizer and emulsifier. It can also be used as a humectant. The melting point is 95 ° C and the boiling point is 215 ° C. E967 additives have a rich sweet taste. When it enters the oral cavity, it contributes to the appearance of a characteristic chill. The density of xylitol is 1.52 g / cm3.
What is xylitol made of
Xylitol is of synthetic origin. Its production began to be engaged in the 19th century. E967 is extracted from plant materials. It includes waste from wood processing, berries, mushrooms and corn. The production of xylitol can also be carried out from fish and animal tissue. The additive manufacturing process involves the method of enzymatic fermentation of glucose. It is considered to be quite budgetary, which allowed it to become widespread.
The largest company producing the E967 food additive is Cultor. It shares the leadership with the Danish company Danisco. In China, Shanghai Golden Orient Machinery and Jiachem Dentbio are engaged in the production of E967 additives. In Germany, the sweetener is manufactured by Hager & Werken.
The benefits and harms of xylitol sweetener
Sugar substitute xylitol, along with sorbitol, can be used in the manufacture of dietary food products. Compared to regular sugar, E967 supplement has a lower glycemic index. It is only 13 units. Despite this, the caloric content of the substance cannot be called low. It is 240 kcal per 100 g. To avoid weight gain, you need to consume it in limited quantities.
Since E967 is added to food in small quantities, it does not have a significant effect on health. If consumed excessively, it can provoke an allergic reaction. But when used in moderation, xylitol exhibits only positive properties. These include:
- increased bone density;
- antibacterial effect;
- maintaining a neutral pH in the oral cavity;
- effectiveness against ear infections;
- prevention of caries and dental calculus formation.
Due to its antibacterial properties, xylitol is extremely beneficial for teeth. It is an indispensable component of toothpastes and mouthwash balms. The E967 additive eliminates pathogens and gives the product a pleasant taste.The beneficial properties of the substance have been officially proven by the World Health Organization and JECFA.
Doctors note the effectiveness of xylitol in relation to certain diseases. It treats ailments of the respiratory system, improves hearing and enhances therapy for osteoporosis. During pregnancy, E967 supplementation reduces the risk of transmission of Streptococ cusmutans bacteria from woman to child.
The properties of xylitol do not imply harmful effects on health. The substance is not toxic and does not accumulate in the body. It is harmful only when overused. In the composition of products and household products, the additive is presented in minimal dosages.
Products and products containing xylitol can be used by children from the age of 3. Studies have proven that the substance is included in a number of children's toothpastes. Thanks to him, it is possible to prevent the formation of caries and plaque. In addition, the E967 additive effectively gets rid of pathogenic microflora.
Dangerous or not xylitol sweetener (E967)
The daily dosage of xylitol, safe for humans, is 40-50 g. If it is exceeded, it can provoke side effects:
- flatulence;
- upset stool;
- increased secretion of bile;
- the formation of kidney stones.
Serious harm to health is caused by excessive intake of xylitol into the body. This is possible when overeating and eating inedible foods. In other cases, you can not be afraid of side effects.
Application of xylitol
Products containing E967 additives are included in the diet when there is an urgent need to give up table sugar. This allows you to stop uncontrolled weight gain without denying yourself to sweet foods. Often such products are consumed by people with diabetes mellitus.
There are two types of xylitol - pharmaceutical and food grade. They differ in the degree of purification of the material during processing. Pharmaceutical grade involves more thorough cleaning. In most cases, it is used in the manufacture of vitamin complexes and solutions for injections. In the food industry, the E967 additive is presented in the following products:
- chocolate;
- products of meat origin;
- carbonated drinks;
- candies with glaze;
- ice cream and dairy products;
- vegetable purees and fruit jams;
- semi-finished products;
- confectionery.
In the process of making cellophane and paper, xylitol is used as a plasticizer and moisture stabilizer. It can also be found in synthetic resins, household chemicals and adhesives. In the food industry, it is used to reduce calorie content, glycemic index and impart a sweet taste to the product. Together with other stabilizers, it is also used in the process of making cottage cheese.
Despite its sweetness, xylitol is used as the main ingredient in chewing gum. It has a significant advantage over sorbitol - a pronounced sweet taste. Because of it, the substance is used in minimal dosages. More sorbitol is required, so it greatly increases the calorie content of the product.
In alternative medicine, the E967 supplement acts as a multifunctional agent. It has powerful antibacterial and choleretic effects.
In the cosmetic industry, E967 additive is used as a moisturizing agent with antibacterial action. In addition, it is used in the manufacture of surfactant-containing shampoo. Xylitol helps to obtain a certain consistency of the product and to reduce the aggressive effects of chemical components.
Contraindications to xylitol
Despite the positive effects of E967 on the body, foods containing it should be eaten with extreme caution. According to unofficial data, its long-term use in food can provoke malignant tumors in the stomach.
Absolute contraindications include:
- age less than 3 years;
- period of bearing a child;
- epilepsy;
- individual intolerance;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
In case of an allergic reaction, the intake of xylitol into the body may be accompanied by a skin rash. In this case, it is advisable to consult a doctor. However, identifying the allergen will not be easy. If adverse reactions are triggered by excessive use of E967, the situation will stabilize after lowering the dosage. During the period of breastfeeding, it is advisable for women to exclude products containing xylitol from the diet.
Conclusion
The harm and benefits of xylitol raise many questions. Studies show that when used wisely, the substance has no negative effects on the body. The negative sides of the E967 supplement manifest themselves when contraindications and recommended dosages are not followed.
