Xylitol Safety Concerns?

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Xylitol is technically a sugar alcohol.

Anything ending in "ol" such as "sorbitol", "erythritol" or "xylitol" is a sugar alcohol.

It's made by distilling out one specific consituent of a plant source (in this case birch trees or corn).

So, while xylitol is low carb, and has a low glycemic index, and is distilled from natural plant sources, do use it in moderation.

Keep it out of reach of pets and kids, as ingesting large doses can cause serious side effects.

It is also considered safe for diabetics, when used in moderation.

It is possible, but not likely, for someone to be allergic to xylitol. Do visit your healthcare provider asap if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

- Itching / Hives / Rash
- Wheezing or Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the mouth or throat
- Sores in the mouth

"Okay, now that I know about your concerns about xylitol safety, I still want to use it for occasional low-carb baking and cooking.
What kind of xylitol should I get?"

Corn-derived xylitol is often made with genetically modified corn, in countries where purity standards may not be as high as what you'd expect. Although the finished product contains no corn proteins, which are what people are allergic to, I'd still recommend spending the extra money for birch-derived xylitol.

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