Sugar Alcohol - subtracted from carb count?
 

Hi all, I was talking with a nutritionist from GNC and she told me that the FDA now requires the Sugar Alcohol amounts to be listed under the carb count, and to subtract that amount from the carbs. I bought a coconut protein bar with 18 grams of carbs, 17 of those are sugar alcohol, does that mean this is 1 gram effective carbs, or is sugar alcohol to be avoided? Thanks to all who reply...

James

Atkins says yes, I believe. Subtract it.

Atkins says to subtract sugar alcohols but why wouldn't he? He's selling the bars.

The mysterious thing is that if they are not protein or fat, where do they fit into the grand nutritional scheme of things?

Many people experience stalls because of sugar alcohols in LC bars. They have a glycemic impact, just like sugar. In fact in some individuals, artificial sweeteners do the same thing. Then, there are others who are just fine with them.

The only way to know is to observe your reactions. If eating one makes you want one regularly or causes weight loss to stop, you probably should avoid them.

There is a good article on sugar alcohols under Low Carb Tips at the top of the page.

Karen