XYLITOL Natural Sweetener is safe for Humans but Bad for Dogs

Xylitol (from Greek ξύλον - xyl [on ], "wood" + suffix -itol , used to denote sugar alcohols) is a sugar alcohol sweetener used as a naturally occurring sugar substitute. It is found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables, including various berries, corn husks, oats, and mushrooms. It can be extracted from corn fiber, birch,raspberries, plums, and corn. Xylitol is roughly as sweet as sucrose with only two-thirds the food energy.

As with other sugar alcohols, with the exception of erythritol, consumption in excess of one's laxation threshold (the amount of sweetener that can be consumed before abdominal discomfort sets in) can result in temporary gastrointestinal side effects, such as bloating and diarrhea. Adaptation, an increase of the laxation threshold, occurs with regular intake. Xylitol has a lower laxation threshold than some sugar alcohols, but is more easily tolerated than others such as mannitol and sorbitol.

I didn't know what Xylitol was a few short weeks ago; apparently, I have been eating it for quite some time; likely so have you. Do we really think about reading the label every time we pop something into our mouths. If we do, it is usually to check for the caloric intake of that tasty snack, not the sugar substitute. When we spot that secret ingredient, that usually cannot be pronounced, what do we do....try to pronounce it... and then we eat that thing. We simply trust the government not to allow something to enter our food chain that would harm us...what? Who is the master of our bodies?

HOW IS XYLITOL USED

Xylitol is used around the world, mainly as a sweetener in chewing gums and pastilles. Lately other applications include oral hygiene products; such as toothpaste, fluoride tablets and mouthwashes. The pharmaceutical industry uses xylitol as a sweetener in its products more and more. Xylitol is a natural food substance that metabolizes in our bodies in a more highly efficient natural way. It has no aftertaste. It is not a carcinogen. It is of benefit to people with Hyperglycemia or diabetics as it causes no spikes in insulin levels when eaten.

In the 19th century, this mystery sweetener entered the food market in Europe as a safe sweetener. In the 1970s a scientist in Finland discovered it had significant dental benefits used as a sugarless alternative for gum lovers in place of the dreaded Aspartame or saccrine. Xylitol is a non-fermentable sugar alcohol. Therefore, the ingredient is said to prevent tooth decay because Xylitol does not stick to the teeth like regular sugar does causing bacterial growth leading to tooth decay. Xylitol has a plaque reducing effect that starves harmful micro-organisms which is why the dental rinses in the market today are used to coat teeth with Xyitol to prevent bacteria from forming on the teeth. So it is once again proved, the natural ingredients in healthy foods wins out again.

WARNING TO PET OWNERS

The dental health industry is marketing many products containing this ingredient. There is one thing you must be aware of: XYLITOL CANNOT BE FED TO DOGS. It will likely be fatal to your dog if ingested....so please read the labels before giving your dog anything that has this ingredient. Dogs have a very high metabolic rate and Xylitol can cause a hemelytic anemia and severe reaction within 30 minutes your dog could die. it can cause liver failure as well. Read more about food harmful to pets at http://hubpages.com/t/208b98.

Many children's chewable vitamins and elixir's are showing up with Xylitol. It is a natural sweetener with dental benefits, really great for children. However, we can no longer give these remedies to our pets. Some veterinarians do not know that the ingredients are changing in some of the prescribed and over the counter medications that have been favorites to treat specific pet ailments for years. It is always a good idea to check with a pharmacist for the ingredients to ensure safety for your pets. Little children love to share everything with their dog...one for you and one for me.  

• Flintstone vitamins, children's elixirs (cold, flus), Hycodan cough syrup, Theophylline Bronchodilator, Gabapentin elixir.
• Check anything labeled sugar free: gum, candies, mints, breath freshener (bad for dogs)
• Sugar free dessert cups, pudding, jello, jams, jelly maple syrup, honey, ketchup
• Dental products: toothpaste and oral rinses, nasal washes.

There are more and more everyday....please read the labels and be an educated consumer.

 EPIC

SPRY

XCLEAR

SPARX

XYLOSWEET