E 968 - Erythritol

Author: Leticia Celentano Time for reading: ~2 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

In this article, learn more about E 968 - Erythritol. Erythritol - characteristics and effects on humans.

Erythritol is an artificial sweetener. Chemically, it is a sugar alcohol, so it belongs to carbohydrates.

The substance is not absorbed by the body, is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine, is poorly metabolized and has no known functions in the body, excreted unchanged in the urine.

It was discovered in 1848 by the Scottish chemist John Stenhouse and was first isolated in 1852. It is found naturally in some fruit and fermented foods.

Erythritol is produced semi-artificially by fermenting glucose derived from wheat or corn starch using non-pathogenic yeasts such as Moniliella pollinis or Trichosporonoides megachilensis. It is made of glucose with added hydroxyl (OH) groups.

It does not affect blood sugar, does not cause tooth decay and is almost calorie-free.

Erythritol foods

Erythritol is naturally found in small amounts in peaches, melons, grapes, mushrooms and fermented foods such as wine, beer, sake, soy sauce, cheese, and is also found in the human body.

Semi-synthetic erythritol can be used as a non-caloric sweetener in various candies, fondant, chocolate, ice cream, chewing gum, dairy products, pastries, yogurt, jellies, coffee, syrups, jams, energy drinks, vitamins and tablets. Denoted as E968.

Absorption and metabolism

More than 90% of erythritol is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and is almost not absorbed by the body. When consumed in appropriate doses, it is excreted in the urine, with a small amount of the substance passing into the large intestine, where, unlike other sugar alcohols, it does not ferment and is excreted in the faeces without causing bloating.

Nutritional value

Erythritol has only 0.2 calories per gram, which is considered a sweetener with 0 carbohydrates.

Impact on humans

People with diabetes can consume erythritol, it has a glycemic index of 0, and the consumption of 1 gram of erythritol per kilogram of body weight does not increase blood glucose levels as well as insulin, so it is suitable for diabetics

Because the sweetener does not ferment in the mouth, it does not promote tooth decay.

Erythritol does not cause gas, so it is also suitable for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

Erythritol is recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration and has the status of "Acceptable daily intake not specified" by the modern expert commission on food and agriculture. It is approved in Canada, Japan, Australia, the European Union.

There is no evidence that it causes any chronic diseases or affects the liver.

There are no data on harmful effects on the fetus during pregnancy, but not enough research has been done to state unequivocally that it is safe during pregnancy.

Possible side effects

When overused, erythritol can draw water from the intestinal wall and cause diarrhea. The recommended doses are about 0.66 grams per kilogram for men and 0.8 grams for women, which means about 50 grams for men weighing about 80 kilograms and the same amount for women weighing 60 kilograms.

Erythritol consumed with fructose increases the risk of diarrhea, so it is not appropriate to combine these substances.

In large doses it can cause abdominal pain and headaches, as well as allergic reactions in more sensitive people.

Use

Erythritol is available as a sugar-like crystalline substance or in liquid form. It is 70% sweeter than sugar, odorless and tasteless. A slight cooling effect is felt in the mouth, but the effect is lost when dissolved.

Does not decompose even at a temperature of 180 degrees. It has low hygroscopicity and does not retain moisture.

Erythritol Fructose