Xylitol is a five carbon sugar alcohol, also known as a polyol, which boasts a wide range of health benefits. It is a naturally occurring sweet compound found in the fibers of various fruits and other plants, and is naturally produced by the human body in small amounts. Xylitol supplements are made from the fiber of the birch tree as well as other fibrous materials, such as corn cob husks. This natural sweetener is nearly as sweet as sucrose and has no aftertaste. Xylitol also has 40% less calories than sugar, with a caloric value of 3.75 calories per gram.