Protein Bar - too much sugar alcohol??

A friend gave me a super-yummy protein bar - 15g of protein, 4g fat and 3g sugar.  Then I noticed 8g sugar acohol on the label.  Are sugar alcohols the same as sugar?  Should I avoid this bar??

Sugar alcohols are fake sugars that are put into products in lieu of sugar. Often they have "itol" names like malitol, sorbitol.

The body does not process these sugar alcohols.  That means that basically you poop them out.  People (even those who haven't had WLS) can have reactions to the fake sugars because they had a laxative effect. Some people are more sensitive to them than others.

I know some people that cannot have them at all or they'll be running to the toilet every five minutes, others that have them in small amounts and are fine and others that can have all they want and don't have too many effects on their body. It is all up to your body as to what it can tolerate. You might want to start with a small part of the bar and see if you can tolerate it if you haven't had many sugar alcohols.  (Maybe 1/4 the first time to a 1/2).  Then it will give you an idea.  

Dawn

Good idea...thanks for the info.  I've only had 1/2 so far so I'll put it aside for a while and see if anything develops. :)

If you want a good protein bar try the ones from Wal-mart called Pure Protein Bars..

4.5g Fat
2 g Fibre
2 g Sugar 
21g Protein


I have one of these everyday, my NUT said they are fine.

Michelle.

Thanks :)

What kind of protein is in the bar? How many carbs and calories? Thank you!

Elite Gourmet bar by Dymatize Nutrition (found at Costco).  160 calories, 9g carbs :)

Be leary of anything with sugar alcohols. Usually over 10g a day can have a serious laxative effect. Any amount sends me running for the bathroom!

I agree with Dawn - try a bit at a time & see how your body reacts.

for me

sugar alcohols are EVIL!!! I get very ill when I eat them.. dumping for sure!

LOL, I was given a sample protein bar from my NUT and learned my lesson... I will avoid them like the plague! Guess I will be sticking to my shakes, as I can tolerate them just fine. Good luck with the bars!