Xylitol itself is a sweetener, which does not mean sugar-free. The main component of xylitol is five-carbon sugar, which can accelerate the metabolism of sugar in the body and replenish energy for the body without increasing the blood sugar concentration. Other functions are similar to glucose, which is more suitable for diabetic patients. However, it should be noted that excessive intake of xylitol is not recommended, otherwise it may lead to accelerated intestinal peristalsis.

Matters needing attention of xylitol

Xylitol is metabolized into uric acid and oxalic acid in the body, both of which are excreted by the kidney. Therefore, short-term or long-term large-scale use of xylitol can make serum uric acid and oxalic acid levels suddenly or slowly increase, and after exceeding physiological saturation, both of them are easy to form crystal deposits in the kidney, leading to kidney damage and even death due to acute renal failure.

For diabetic patients prone to hyperuricemia, long-term use of xylitol in large quantities should be cautious. It is reported that a diabetic patient has taken about100g xylitol every day for three years, resulting in lactic acidosis and renal insufficiency.