Comparing E966 - Lactitol vs E968 - Erythritol
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 75 products
Found in 2,409 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Fao/who expert committee of food additives 1983 lactitol?
In 1983, JECFA (FAO/WHO) evaluated lactitol and assigned an ADI “not specified,” reflecting low toxicity; they noted that high intakes can cause typical polyol-related gastrointestinal effects (gas, laxation).
How is lactitol digested?
It is poorly absorbed in the small intestine and is fermented by colonic bacteria to short‑chain fatty acids and gases, providing about 2 kcal/g and producing an osmotic/laxative effect at higher intakes.
How is lactitol formed?
Lactitol is formed by catalytic hydrogenation of lactose, reducing the glucose moiety to sorbitol to yield the disaccharide alcohol 4‑O‑β‑D‑galactopyranosyl‑D‑sorbitol.
How is lactitol made?
Industrial production hydrogenates lactose (often from whey) under pressure over a nickel catalyst, then purifies and crystallizes it as lactitol monohydrate or concentrates it into a syrup.
Lactitol monohydrate syrup how to use?
Use orally as labeled for constipation: typically start around 10–20 g once daily and adjust to achieve a soft stool, taking with meals or water. Expect possible gas and bloating; follow product instructions and seek medical advice for children, pregnancy, or if symptoms persist.
Is erythritol bad for you?
No—regulators (e.g., FDA, EFSA) consider erythritol safe at typical food-use levels, and it doesn’t raise blood sugar or cause tooth decay. Large amounts can cause digestive upset, and a recent observational study linked high blood erythritol levels with cardiovascular risk, but causation hasn’t been shown.
What are the dangers of erythritol?
The main concern is gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating, diarrhea) when large amounts are consumed; in the EU, polyol-containing foods may carry a laxative-effect warning. An observational study has linked high circulating erythritol with cardiovascular events, but evidence is not conclusive and guidance has not changed.
Is erythritol safe?
Yes—it's authorized in the EU (E968) and considered GRAS in the U.S., with no safety concern at reported uses. Some people may experience digestive upset if they consume a lot at once.
What is erythritol made from?
It’s typically produced by fermenting glucose (often from corn or wheat starch) with yeast-like microorganisms (e.g., Moniliella), then purified and crystallized.
Does erythritol raise blood sugar?
No—erythritol has little to no effect on blood glucose or insulin and is largely excreted unchanged.