Xylitol (E967) is a polyatomic alcohol. Chemical formula CH2OH (CHOH)3CH2OH.
Xylitol is found in small amounts in various fruits and plants. After processing, it is a colorless hygroscopic crystals of sweet taste, soluble in water, alcohol, glycols, acetic acid and pyridine.
It is used as a sweetener, sugar substitute, moisture-retaining agent, stabilizer, emulsifier.
In terms of calories, xylitol is identical to sugar (4 kcal / g), twice as sweet as it is, but it has no biological value. It does not have a negative effect on the body, so it is used in the food industry, for example, instead of sugar in the production of confectionery products for patients with diabetes and obesity. It has a choleretic and laxative effect. Use xylitol up to 50 g per day.
According to some reports, xylitol can cause bladder cancer.