Comparing E421 - Mannitol vs E420 - Sorbitol
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Found in 5,351 products
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Popular questions
What is mannitol used for?
In foods, E421 mannitol is used as a low‑calorie sweetener, bulking agent, and humectant/stabilizer (common in sugar‑free gum, candies, and baked goods); it’s also a pharmaceutical excipient. Medically, IV mannitol is an osmotic diuretic to reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure and promote diuresis.
How mannitol works?
As a food ingredient, it’s poorly absorbed so it provides fewer calories and a low glycemic response, with a mild cooling taste. As a medicine, it acts osmotically—filtered by the kidneys and minimally reabsorbed—raising plasma and tubular fluid osmolality to draw water from tissues and increase urine output, lowering brain/eye pressure.
How does mannitol work?
It works osmotically when given IV, increasing blood and renal filtrate osmolality so water moves from tissues into the circulation and then into urine, reducing intracranial and intraocular pressure. In foods, its limited absorption yields a lower-calorie, low‑glycemic sweetening effect.
Is mannitol safe for dogs?
Mannitol isn’t known to be acutely toxic to dogs like xylitol, but ingestion can cause diarrhea and gas, and large amounts may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Therapeutic IV mannitol should only be used by a veterinarian; consult your vet especially for dogs with kidney or heart disease.
Is mannitol salt agar selective or differential?
Both: the high salt concentration makes it selective for staphylococci, and mannitol with phenol red makes it differential by turning yellow when mannitol‑fermenting organisms (e.g., many S. aureus) produce acid.
Is sorbitol safe for dogs?
Sorbitol isn’t toxic to dogs (unlike xylitol), and small amounts in pet products are generally safe, but larger amounts can cause gas and diarrhea. Avoid giving it in large quantities and monitor for gastrointestinal upset.
Is sorbitol bad for you?
No—sorbitol (E420) is considered safe at typical food levels, but excess intake can cause bloating and a laxative effect. People with IBS or FODMAP sensitivity may react at lower amounts.
Can dogs have sorbitol?
Yes, in small amounts, but it can act as a laxative in dogs if they eat too much. Don’t confuse it with xylitol, which is dangerous to dogs.
Is sorbitol bad for dogs?
It isn’t inherently harmful or toxic, but dogs may develop diarrhea and gas if they consume large amounts. Keep portions small and avoid high-polyol treats.
Is sorbitol toxic to dogs?
No—unlike xylitol, sorbitol (E420) is not considered highly toxic to dogs and is even used in some pet products; however, large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea due to its laxative effect. If a dog consumes a lot or shows persistent vomiting/diarrhea, contact a veterinarian to prevent dehydration.