Xylitol is

Options

A. Artificial sweetener
B. Nutritive sweetener
C. Non-nutritive sweetener
D. Both A and B.

Answer

To answer the question "Xylitol is," we will analyze the characteristics of xylitol and determine which option best fits its classification.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Nature of Xylitol**:
- Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance found in various plants. It is classified as a sugar alcohol.

2. **Determine Its Use**:
- Xylitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute. This means it can replace sugar in food and beverages, providing sweetness without the same caloric content as sugar.

3. **Caloric Content**:
- Unlike non-nutritive sweeteners, which provide little to no calories, xylitol does contain calories, albeit fewer than regular sugar. This characteristic qualifies it as a nutritive sweetener.

4. **Health Benefits**:
- Xylitol has several health benefits, including preventing dental cavities and inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. These benefits further support its classification as a nutritive sweetener.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on its natural occurrence, caloric content, and health benefits, the most accurate classification for xylitol is as a **nutritive sweetener**.

### Final Answer:
Xylitol is a **nutritive sweetener**.