Maltitol – what is it, how is it produced, and how is it absorbed by the body?

If you've looked at the labels of sugar-free products, you've probably come across maltitol. It's one of the most commonly used sweeteners in sugar-free chocolates, biscuits, candies, wafers, and chewing gums because its taste is very similar to that of regular sugar.

But what exactly is maltitol, how is it produced, and why does it contain fewer calories than sugar?

What is maltitol?

Maltitol is a sweetener from the group of sugar alcohols (polyols). It is produced by hydrogenating maltose – a sugar most often extracted from corn or wheat starch.

Thanks to its sweet taste and good technological properties, maltitol is one of the preferred sugar substitutes in the confectionery industry. It provides bulk, texture, and sweetness similar to sugar, making it suitable for producing chocolates, desserts, and baked goods.

Due to its production method, maltitol is mainly used in conventional food products, while other sweeteners, such as erythritol, are more commonly found in organic foods.

How is maltitol absorbed?

The body processes maltitol differently from regular sugar.

Absorption in the small intestine

After consumption, maltitol reaches the small intestine, where digestive enzymes partially break it down into glucose and sorbitol.

Glucose is absorbed and used as an energy source, while sorbitol is only partially absorbed. In total, between 40% and 75% of ingested maltitol is absorbed in the small intestine, with the percentage depending on the quantity and individual characteristics of the body.

What happens in the large intestine?

The unabsorbed portion of maltitol reaches the large intestine, where it is fermented by gut bacteria.

During this process, short-chain fatty acids are formed, which the body can partially use as an energy source. In addition, gases are released, which is why some people may experience bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort.

How is it excreted from the body?

A small portion of maltitol is excreted unchanged through feces, and a minimal amount is expelled through urine.

How many calories does maltitol contain?

Since maltitol is not fully absorbed, its energy value is lower than that of sugar.

On average, it contains about 2.4 kcal per gram, while sugar provides approximately 4 kcal per gram.

Therefore, maltitol is often used in products with reduced sugar content and lower caloric value.

Does maltitol affect blood sugar?

Yes, but to a lesser extent than regular sugar.

Since part of maltitol is broken down into glucose, it can cause blood sugar levels to rise. However, this increase is usually less compared to sugar.

Tolerance and possible side effects

As with other sugar alcohols, larger quantities of maltitol can cause:

• bloating;

• gas;

• feeling of heaviness;

• loose stools.

These effects are most often observed with larger intakes, and individual tolerance varies from person to person.

Maltitol or erythritol?

Both sweeteners have their advantages.

Erythritol contains significantly fewer calories and is generally better tolerated by the digestive system.

Maltitol, on the other hand, has a taste, sweetness, and technological properties that are very similar to sugar. This is why it remains a preferred choice in the production of chocolate products, biscuits, and other sugar-free confectionery.

Conclusion

Maltitol is one of the most common sweeteners in the food industry. It provides sweetness similar to sugar but with lower caloric content due to its partial absorption.

Compared to sugar, it provides less energy, but higher consumption can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, moderate consumption is the best approach, both for maltitol and other sweeteners.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a doctor or qualified nutritionist.