In the past few months you may have noticed some changes in the
labeling of sugarfree and low-carb products. None of the ingredients
in the products have changed just the labels are being changed
due to new guidelines put into effect by the FDA. In the past,
the total carb count included the sugar alcohols, but now due
to their negligible effect on the blood sugar levels, the FDA
has now determined that these are not effective carbs. Don't be
alarmed by the total carb count numbers! To get a net effective
carb count just subtract the sugar alcohols and the dietary fiber
to get the Net Effective Carb Count (also called "Net Impact
Carbs, "Digestible Carb Count"," Net Carb Count").
You will start to see the new labeling being phased in over the
next 6 months to a year. As the manufacturers use up their old
labels, the new labels will have the updated information from
most manufacturers.
According to the Glycemic Research Institute, sucralose (Splenda®
Brand) and sugar alcohols, such as maltitol, sorbitol, isomalt
and so on do not elevate the blood sugar or insulin levels. “Net
Effective Carbs” refers to the carbohydrate content that will
be converted into sugar by the body. Sucralose (Splenda® Brand)
and sugar alcohols are not chemically broken down into glucose
(sugar). Some product manufacturers then refer to this type of
product as one that does not contribute to the overall or “net”
amount of carbohydrates.
