Jim,
 
Sorry I can't answer your questions.  They are very good ones.
 
My only interest was in being able to use the xylitol without getting high  
blood pressure.
 
What you can do is contact the company yourself and get your answers.   
_www.xlear.com_ (http://www.xlear.com) , (877) 599-5327.
 
Hope this helps,
 
Jill