Erythritol

Category

Sweetening agent

Molecular Formula

C4H10O4

Molecular Weight

122.12

Description

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) that occurs as a white or almost white powder or granular or crystalline substance. It is pleasant tasting with a mild sweetness approximately 60-70% that of sucrose. It also has a high negative heat of solution that provides a strong cooling effect.

UNII

RA96B954X6

Chemical Name

(2R, 3S)-Butane 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrol

CAS Number

149-32-6

Synonyms

Butane 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrol; 1, 2, 3, 4-butanetetrol; E968; ery- thrite; erythritolum; erythroglucin; meso-erythritol; phycite; tetra- hydroxybutane; Zerose.

Source and Preparation

Erythritol is a starch-derived product. The starch is enzymatically hydrolyzed into glucose which is turned into erythritol via a fermentation process, using osmophilic yeasts or fungi (e.g.Moniliella pollinis, or Trichosporonoides megachiliensis).

Applications

Erythritol is a naturally occurring noncariogenic excipient used in a variety of pharmaceutical preparations, including in solid dosage forms as a tablet filler, and in coatings.It has also been investigated for use in dry powder inhalers.It is also used in sugar-free lozenges, and medicated chewing gum. Erythritol can also be used as a diluent in wet granulation in combination with moisture-sensitive drugs.In buccal applications, such as medicated chewing gums, it is used because of its high negative heat of solution which provides a strong cooling effect. Erythritol is also used as a noncaloric sweetener in syrups; it is used to provide sensorial profile-modifying properties with intense sweeteners; and it is also used to mask unwanted aftertastes. Erythritol is also used as a noncariogenic sweetener in toothpastes and mouthwash solutions.

Safety

Erythritol is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations, confectionery, and food products. It is generally regarded as a nontoxic, nonallergenic, and nonirritant material.However, there has been a case report of urticaria caused by erythritol.The low molecular weight of erythritol allows more than 90% of the ingested molecules to be rapidly absorbed from the small intestine; it is not metabolized and is excreted unchanged in the urine. Erythritol has a low caloric value (0.8 kJ/g). Erythritol is noncariogenic; preliminary studies suggest that it may inhibit the formation of dental plaque.In general, erythritol is well-tolerated; furthermore, excessive consumption does not cause laxative effects. There is no significant increase in the blood glucose level after oral intake, and glycemic response is very low, making erythritol suitable for diabetics.
LD50 (mouse, IP): 8-9 g/kg
LD50 (rat, IV): 6.6 g/kg
LD50 (rat, oral): >13 g/kg

Incompatibilities

Erythritol is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases.