Products
Erythritol is used as an excipient in pharmaceuticals and is also used in food and personal care products. It is a sugar alcohol with 4 carbon atoms.
Structure and properties
Erythritol (C4H10O4, Mr = 122.1 g/mol) exists as a white crystalline powder or as free-flowing granules and is readily soluble in water. Erythritol is a polyol belonging to the sugar alcohols. It is a natural substance produced with the help of microbial fermentation.
Effects
Erythritol has a sweet and cooling taste. It is non-cariogenic and virtually calorie-free, so it has no caloric value and does not alter glucose and insulin levels. Its sweetening power is lower than that of table sugar (60 to 80%). Erythritol has no unpleasant aftertaste.
Fields of application
As a sweetener.
Adverse effects
Erythritol is absorbed and excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, unlike other polyols, it causes fewer gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea and flatulence.
