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How Much Sugar?

Glycerin

  • 10 May 2011 8:29 AM
    Message # 587893
    Deleted user

    I purchased some olive leaf extract today that lists about half the product as being 'Glycerine (vegetable)'. I asked if it contained fructose and was told no - that the glycerin was included to couteract the bitterness of the olive leaf and that it (the glycerin) was the increadably sweet part of the product. They weren't kidding - it was almost intolerable! I assumed after tasting it that it had to contain fructose but I've not been able to determine that absolutely.

    One web site says that it's...'composed of three carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms, and three OH groups. It has a sweet taste, but is metabolized differently than sugar and does not raise blood sugar levels.  It also does not contribute to bacterial tooth decay'.

    The effects on blood sugar sound the same as fructose but I'm wondering if anyone can shed a bit more light on this and tell me if it's 'safe'

    Thank You

     

  • 17 May 2011 12:00 AM
    Reply # 592836 on 587893
    Anonymous

    Janet ... glycerine (or glycerol) is fine ... it is metabolised as if it were glucose (if we don't use it as glycerol first - we use glycerol as the backbone for storing fats) - it should be about as sweet as dextrose and there are no fructose-like effects as far as I can tell in the literature.  They use it in the olive leaf extracts instead of the more traditional ethanol for people who prefer an extract without alcohol.

    Hope that helps?

    Cheers

    David.

  • 25 May 2011 10:48 PM
    Reply # 601826 on 587893
    Deleted user
    Thanks David - good to know.
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