Polyols
Level 3 — ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary
Polyols is a humectant — Alcohol compounds that absorb moisture; sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, etc.)
What it does
Alcohol compounds that absorb moisture; sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, etc.)
Where you'll see it
sugar-free candies/gums, diet products, low-calorie foods
What the research says
Lower molecular weight polyols more toxic; large doses cause kidney damage in animals. May cause gastric distress and diarrhea in large amounts.
Regulatory status
- EU: approved
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Alcohol compounds that absorb moisture. They have a low molecular weight... polyols with a weight above 1,000 are solid and less toxic than those of weight 600 or below