Xylitol

Xylitol is an organic compound with the formula HOCH(CH(OH)CH2OH)2. Two other isomeric sugar alcohols exist. It is a colorless or white crystalline solid. It is classified as a polyalcohol and a sugar alcohol, specifically an alditol. Of the common sugar alcohols, only sorbitol is more soluble in water. It is sometimes also called birch sugar as it can be extracted from birch wood. It should not be confused with birch syrup, which is made from birch sap and contains only trace amounts of xylitol. The name derives from Ancient Greek: ξύλον, xyl[on] 'wood', with the suffix -itol used to denote it being a sugar alcohol. Xylitol is used as a food additive and sugar substitute. Its European Union code number is E967. Replacing sugar with xylitol in food products may promote better dental health, but evidence is lacking on whether xylitol itself prevents dental cavities. In the United States, xylitol is used as a common sugar substitute, and is considered to be safe for humans.