Typical dose
For dental caries prevention: 5-10 grams per day...
Oral & topical
Oral safety: very low
Skin safety: harmless
About this supplement
Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol) with the chemical formula C5H12O5. In its crystalline/granulated form, it appears as a white, odorless, crystalline powder or granules with a sweet taste approximately equivalent to sucrose but with about 40% fewer calories. It is highly soluble in water and has a strong negative heat of solution, producing a cooling sensation in the mouth. Xylitol occurs naturally in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables and is also produced by the human body during normal metabolism. It is non-fermentable by most oral bacteria, making it non-cariogenic (tooth-friendly). It has a low glycemic index and does not require insulin for metabolism, making it suitable for diabetic diets. The crystalline form is the most common commercial presentation for use as a sweetener in foods, chewing gums, oral care products, and dietary supplements.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- For dental caries prevention: 5-10 grams per day, divided into multiple exposures (e.g., chewing gum 2-3 times daily after meals). As a sugar substitute: used in quantities to achieve desired sweetness in foods and beverages.
- Suggested range
- 5-20 g daily (divided doses)
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
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 powder or granules. Sweet taste, similar to sucrose. Highly soluble in water (approximately 1.6 g/mL at 25°C). Slightly soluble in ethanol. Hygroscopic. Melting point: 92-96°C. Exhibits a strong negative heat of solution, producing a cooling sensation.
How it’s made
Commercial xylitol is primarily produced by the hydrogenation of xylose, which is derived from hemicellulose-rich plant materials (e.g., birch wood, corn cobs, sugarcane bagasse) via hydrolysis. The process involves: 1) Extraction and hydrolysis of xylan to xylose, 2) Purification of xylose, 3) Catalytic hydrogenation of xylose to xylitol using a nickel catalyst, 4) Crystallization and purification to produce food-grade crystalline xylitol. It can also be produced via microbial fermentation using yeasts or bacteria, but chemical hydrogenation is the dominant industrial method.