Maybe the reason we don't find evidence of extraterrestrials is that advanced civilizations inevitably wipe themselves out. Maybe the temptation to open Pandora's box is too strong.
I haven't noticed sugar-alcohols in very many products. I have occasionally bought no-sugar-added pies that contain sugar-alcohols, and they give me gas, but as long as I eat them in moderation, I am fine. Too much can have a laxative effect.