What is the Difference Between Sugar and Sugar Alcohol

Carbohydrates are a class of chemical substances necessary for life. They are our body’s main source of energy, giving us the fuel we need to do a variety of tasks. Carbohydrates come in two primary forms: sugars and sugar alcohol.

What is the difference between sugar and sugar alcohol? Sugar alcohols are less sweet, lower in calories, and have less impact on blood sugar than sugar.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Sugar 
      – Definition, Features 
2. What is Sugar Alcohol
      – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Sugar and Sugar Alcohol
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Sugar and Sugar Alcohol
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Sugar and Sugar Alcohol
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Carbohydrates, Sugar, Sugar Alcohol

What is Sugar

Sugar is a simple carbohydrate composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Its chemical formula is C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁. Though there are many types of sugars, the two main types are sucrose and fructose. Sucrose is obtained from sugar beets or sugar cane. Fructose is found in honey and fruits and is sweeter than sucrose.

The structure of sugar is a ring-like arrangement of atoms. The hydroxyl groups (-OH) present in the sugar molecule give its characteristic sweetness and solubility.

There are many applications of sugar. In the food industry, it is considered a preservative, which prevents microbial growth in food. It also contributes to the texture and appearance of foods. It also helps some foods to caramelize. Sugar is an excipient or a filler in tablets or capsules in the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, it helps improve the flowability and compressibility of powders during tablet manufacturing. The key ingredient in the production of biofuel ethanol is sugar. Here, sugar is fermented to get the required ethanol.

What is Sugar Alcohol

Sugar alcohols (also called polyols) are very similar to sugar structurally but have different metabolic properties. They have additional hydrogen atoms in their structure. Sugar alcohols typically have the same carbon chain length as sugars. They generally have lower caloric content than sugars. Many sugar alcohols are sweet, but sweetness may vary in intensity. Some examples of sugar alcohols are erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol.

Sugar alcohols can be poorly absorbed by the small intestine, leading to their fermentation in the large intestine. This fermentation process can produce gas and cause digestive discomfort in some people. Sugar alcohol also contributes less to tooth decay than sugar.

Sugar alcohols have many different applications. In the food industry, they are used as sweeteners, bulking agents, and humectants. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are used as excipients and laxatives. Moreover, they are used as biofuels and food additives.

Similarities Between Sugar and Sugar Alcohol

1. Sugar and sugar alcohols are two main forms of carbohydrates.
2. Both provide sweetness to foods and beverages.

Difference Between Sugar and Sugar Alcohol

Structure

• Sugar is composed of glucose and/or fructose molecules, whereas sugar alcohol has a hydrogen atom that replaces an oxygen atom.

Calorie Content

• Sugars provide 4 calories per gram, whereas sugar alcohols provide fewer calories, often around 2-3 calories per gram or even fewer.

Sweetness

• Sugars are sweeter than sugar alcohols.

Digestion

• Sugars are more easily digested and absorbed by the body than sugar alcohols.

Tooth Decay

• Sugars promote tooth decay, while sugar alcohols do not.

Conclusion

Carbohydrates come in two primary forms: sugars and sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohols are less sweet, lower in calories, and have less impact on blood sugar than sugar. However, they can cause digestive issues in large quantities.  This is the main difference between sugar and sugar alcohol.

FAQ: Sugar and Sugar Alcohol

1. Is sugar alcohol bad for your liver?

Gas and bloating are two digestive problems that sugar alcohols can bring on. Although they usually don’t damage the liver directly, consuming too much of them can lead to other health issues. As part of a balanced diet, you can eat them in moderation.

2. What is the safest sugar substitute?

Stevia and monk fruit are two safe sugar alternatives that are very popular in the food industry. They are all-natural and low in calories.

3. Is honey better than sugar?

Honey is often considered healthier than sugar, but it’s still high in calories. Both have similar amounts of sugar, but honey contains some trace nutrients.

4. Which fruit detox liver?

Some fruits can support liver detoxification. These include:

• Grapefruit: High in antioxidants
• Lemon: Helps stimulate liver enzymes
• Beetroot: Contains betalains, which aid detoxification
• Avocado: Rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant

5. What is the best natural sugar?

There isn’t a “best” natural sugar. Natural sugars like honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar have different nutritional profiles and flavors. Choose the one that best suits your dietary needs and preferences.

Reference:

1. “Sugar – Chemical Compound.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
2. “Counting Sugar Alcohols.” Diabetes Education Online. UCSF.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Refined sugar V1” By Poyraz 72 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Erythritol structure” By Su-no-G – Own work made with ChemDraw. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia