Boot Camper Question: 

My nutrition bar has sugar and sugar alcohols.  What are sugar alcohols and should they be limited just like sugar?

Dietitian Answer: 

   Sugar alcohols are used in low carb and diabetic friendly foods.  Although they can be categorized as a carb, they are not digested the same way.  Our body doesn't efficiently process sugar alcohols, so they mostly pass through the system; however they do contribute some calories.  Because there are no regulations regarding the labeling of sugar alcohols, companies generally subtract them from the grams of carbohydrate and sugar AND/OR describe the foods as low carb or sugar-free.  This is somewhat misleading.

In a nutshell, I don't think it's a big deal to eat a bar occasionally with sugar alcohols, however there is also not much benefit to it (unless perhaps you are diabetic).  Some people find that sugar alcohols make them gassy or have a laxative effect.  I think using sugar alcohols is often times a low carb marketing ploy and is one more "food science" type ingredient that doesn't benefit most people.  I'd recommend a more natural choice like Kashi, Luna, or Kind bars.

Send me your questions:  Lauren@longbeachbootcamp.com