Effective Carbs for Fiber and Sugar Alcohols
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 |
Q: "I am wondering what the term "effective carbs" means. I have read that in addition to subtracting fiber grams, one may also reduce the total carb count by the grams of sugar alcohols, to reach an "effective carb" count. Is this true?"
A: I searched through various references and articles about carbohydrate counting, and could not find that term used in any of the ADA books (and in this case I am referring to books from either the American Diabetes Association or the American Dietetic Association). Finally, I confirmed this with a registered dietitian who is a certified diabetes educator and a known expert in the diabetes field, who has published numerous articles and books about diabetes and meal planning.
She stated that the term "effective carbs" is not a recognized term by the American Diabetes Association or the American Dietetic Association. It tends to appear in more "popular" (rather than medical/scientific) websites that are not scientifically based.
In essence, "effective carb" means that certain foods do not affect blood glucose, such as fiber. As explained in the related question on "subtracting fiber grams from the carb grams," the carbs from fiber are subtracted from the total amount of carbs because they have no "effect."
However, the case of sugar alcohols is different, so please start by reading the related answer to "What is the difference between sugar and alcohol sugar?"
Below is the recommended guidelines for counting polyols (sugar alcohols), quoted directly from page 95 of the ADA's Complete Guide to Carb Counting, by Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE and Karmeen Kulkarni, MS, RD, CDE:
How to Fit in Foods with Polyols
- If all the total carbohydrate in the food comes from sugar alcohols, and there are less than 10 grams in a serving, count the food as a free food. Remember that a free food has up to 20 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrate per serving. Limit free foods to 3 or fewer servings per day or the calories and carbohydrate will add up and keep you from meeting your diabetes goals.
- If all the carbohydrate in the food comes from sugar alcohols and the grams of polyols are greater than 10 (look at the grams of total carbohydrate and grams of sugar alcohols), then subtract one-half of the grams of sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrate and count the remaining grams of carbohydrate.
- If there are several sources of carbohydrate, which includes sugar alcohols (look at the grams of total carbohydrate and grams of sugar alcohols), then subtract one-half of the grams of sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrate and count the remaining grams of carbohydrate."
I know this can be very confusing, so I would recommend you print this answer and take it with you to discuss with your dietitian.
Related Questions
Subtracting Fiber Grams from the Carb Grams
Q:
"I've just started getting the "hang" of carb counting, then I read
something on "Effective Carbs" that has thrown a monkey wrench in the
mix. Does subtracting the fiber content from a food really less..."
Sugar alcohols
Q:
"What is the difference between sugar and alcohol sugar?"
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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