Sugar Alcohols (Sorbitol, Maltitol, Xylitol)

Sugar alcohols like sorbitol, maltitol, and xylitol cause severe gastrointestinal distress because they are poorly absorbed and fermented by gut bacteria, resulting in bloating, gas, and osmotic diarrhea. Maltitol stands out as particularly harmful, with a glycemic index of 36—far higher than its marketed value—nearly matching that of white sugar. While xylitol offers some dental benefits, its laxative effect occurs at just 10 grams for many people. For those sensitive, these alternatives are often worse than real sugar, causing discomfort without delivering on metabolic promises.