Was at Glasgow airport last night and picked up the latest copy of Wired which this month explains the ingredients of Orbit White gum, I found the science behind feeling crap after my packet of sugar-free polos: sugar alcohol.
Typically derived from natural carbs, they lack the harsh, metallic taste of calorie-free sweeteners. Sugar alcohols are absorbed very slowly (or not at all) in the intestines, so they don't cause spikes in blood-sugar level — hey diabetics, go nuts! And since oral bacteria can't digest them, they won't rot your teeth. Why isn't everything sweetened this way? Well, for one thing, that slow intestinal absorption can cause bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence.
Article can be found here. Explains a lot.
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