Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is used as a artificial sweetener and as a toothcare product in the prevention of caries. First derived from birch Xylitol is probably most popular in Finland, where most sweets and candies are available in both regular sugar forms and Xylitol. The market consists of parents who worry over their children's teeth. It doesn't merely lack the caries inducing features of regular sugar, but can actively destroy caries.

Xylitol is a low-calorie alternative to table sugar (sucrose) (approximately 40% fewer calories), and is absorbed more slowly than sugar; thus it doesn't contribute to a rapid rise in blood glucose and the resultant insulin response.

In addition, studies have shown that xylitol chewing gum can help prevent ear infections (acute otitis media).

Xylitol also appears to have potential as a treatment for osteoporosis. A group of Finnish researchers have found that dietary xylitol prevents weakening of bones in laboratory rats, and actually improves bone density. (This research was published in Metabolism -- an abstract can be found here -- and as an academic dissertation.)

Xylitol can have mild laxative effects at high doses. There is no known toxic dose; people have consumed as much as 400 grams daily for long periods with no ill effects.

Its formula is C₅H₁₂O₅, with relative mass 152.15 amu.