Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol or polyol that has a taste resembling to sugar. Erythritol is naturally found in numerous fermented foods like wine and beer as well as a variety of fruits. It has the chemical formula C4H10O4 and a molecular weight of 122.12 g/mol.
Erythritol Benefits & Uses
Erythritol has become one of the most popular zero-calorie sweeteners on the market. It tastes like sugar but does not exhibit the same properties as glucose because it is non-caloric and does not contain any carbohydrates. It is commonly used as a sugar substitute as it sweetens foods without the negative side effects associated with sugar such as spikes in blood sugar and tooth decay.
Chemically, Erythritol differs from glucose and other zero-calorie sweeteners such as Mannitol as it has a faster rate of absorption. Erythritol is composed of a 4-carbon molecule, which once ingested, is absorbed by the small intestine and is rapidly filtered out of the body in the urine (within 24 hours). This means it doesn’t get metabolized by the body, which explains its non-caloric content. This makes Erythritol a good alternative for those wishing to reduce their sugar consumption or for those with blood-sugar imbalances.
Anecdotally, Erythritol supplements have perceived antioxidant qualities and may be beneficial for oral hygiene. Some studies have found Erythritol supports oral health through its effective inhibitory action on streptococcal oral bacteria. It also was shown to reduce dental plaque, and subsequently decrease the risk of dental cavities and dental interventions.
Scientific Consensus:
Erythritol is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated dietary supplement at doses of 0.45 g of Erythritol per pound of body weight per day.
However, when consumed in large quantities, Erythritol can cause mild side effects including bloating, cramps and diarrhea. Do not exceed recommended doses. Limited evidence exists regarding the safety of sugar alcohols such as Erythritol for pregnant or nursing women, and should therefore be avoided.
