Typical dose
For dental caries prevention: 5-10 grams per day...
Rating
0.0/5
Oral & topical
Oral safety: very low
Skin safety: harmless
About this supplement
Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol) naturally occurring in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, but commercially produced from xylan-rich plant materials like birch wood or corn cobs. It has approximately 40% fewer calories than sucrose and a similar sweetness level. Xylitol is non-fermentable by most oral bacteria, making it non-cariogenic (does not promote tooth decay). It has a high negative heat of solution, producing a cooling sensation in the mouth. It is widely used as a sugar substitute in foods, chewing gums, candies, oral care products (toothpaste, mouthwash), and some pharmaceutical preparations. It also has humectant properties, helping to retain moisture in topical products.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- For dental caries prevention: 5-10 grams per day, divided into 3-7 consumption episodes (e.g., chewing gum after meals). In foods and supplements, used as needed for sweetness.
- Suggested range
- 5-20 g daily (divided doses)
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Dental Health
Research strength: Strong
Prebiotic EffectResearch strength: Moderate
Dental Caries PreventionResearch strength: Very strong
Low Glycemic ImpactResearch strength: Strong
Skin Moisturization & Barrier SupportResearch strength: Moderate
Ear & Sinus Health SupportResearch strength: Moderate
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Xylitol
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
Technical details â–¼
Chemical ID (CAS)
87-99-0
Physical properties
White, crystalline, odorless solid. Highly soluble in water (approximately 1.6 g/mL at 25°C). Slightly soluble in ethanol. Hygroscopic. Sweet taste with a pronounced cooling effect due to negative heat of solution. Melting point: 92-96°C.
How it’s made
Commercially produced by hydrolyzing xylan (a hemicellulose) from birch wood, corn cobs, or other plant biomass to xylose, which is then hydrogenated over a nickel catalyst to produce xylitol. The xylose solution is purified via chromatography, crystallized, and dried. The process can also start from D-glucose via chemical or microbial isomerization to D-xylose, followed by hydrogenation.