Xylitol and sugar have significant differences in composition, calories, blood sugar effects, and dental health. Xylitol is a natural sweetener mainly extracted from plant materials such as birch, oak, corn cob, and sugarcane bagasse. Its chemical formula is C ? H ?? O ?, belonging to the five carbon sugar alcohol, with a sweetness of about 90% of sucrose, providing about 2.4 kcal of energy per gram. In contrast, sugar (such as sucrose) is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, providing approximately 4 kcal of energy per gram. Ingesting it can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. ?

The health effects of xylitol include that it will not cause significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels, and it is suitable for diabetes patients. It also has anti caries properties, which can reduce the acidic substances produced by oral bacteria and help maintain oral health. However, excessive consumption of xylitol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, so it is recommended to consume it in moderation. ?

Xylitol is widely used in the food industry and is commonly used as a sugar free food additive, such as chewing gum, candy, and low calorie foods. It can also be used as a sweetener and moisturizer, but is not suitable for fermented foods as it can inhibit yeast growth and fermentation activity.