Erythritol (Meso-erythritol · E968 · Zero-Calorie Dental-Safe Sweetener)
| CAS No. | 149-32-6 |
| Class | Carbohydrate · Sugar Alcohol · Tetritol · Polyol · E968 |
| Source | Naturally present in strawberries, grapes, pears (trace amounts); commercial production by fermentation of glucose using Moniliella pollinis or Candida magnoliae yeast |
| Claim strength | High |
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Erythritol is a four-carbon sugar alcohol with approximately 70% of the sweetness of sucrose and near-zero calories. Unlike most polyols, approximately 90% of erythritol is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in the urine without being metabolised — giving it a glycaemic index of 0 and making it significantly better tolerated than xylitol, sorbitol, or maltitol. It is one of the most commercially significant functional sweeteners in the dental health, diabetic-friendly food, and keto markets.
Erythritol for Dental Health, Blood Glucose & Digestive Tolerance — Evidence
Dental caries prevention: A landmark 3-year clinical trial (the DENTOBAC study) demonstrated that erythritol consumption significantly reduced dental caries incidence in school-age children compared to xylitol and sorbitol, with evidence of selective antimicrobial activity against S. mutans. Erythritol may be more effective than xylitol for dental caries prevention per gram consumed. Claim strength: High.
Blood glucose — zero glycaemic impact: Erythritol has a glycaemic index of 0 — approximately 90% is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in the urine without being metabolised. It does not raise blood glucose or insulin. Claim strength: High.
GI tolerance — superior to other polyols: Because approximately 90% of erythritol is absorbed in the small intestine before reaching the colon, it is significantly better tolerated than xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol. Erythritol has the lowest laxative threshold of any major polyol sweetener. Claim strength: High.
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Dosage & Formulator Notes
For dental health applications: 5–10g per day in chewing gum, lozenges, or confectionery format. For sweetening applications: erythritol provides approximately 70% of the sweetness of sucrose at 0 calories — typically used at 1:1 weight equivalence with a slight dosage increase to compensate for lower sweetness intensity. GI tolerance threshold: approximately 0.45–0.78g per kg body weight as a single dose.
Pairs with: Xylitol (complementary dental health sweetener blend), stevia glycosides (erythritol + stevia is the most commercially significant natural sweetener combination — erythritol masks stevia's bitterness), monk fruit extract, soluble fiber ingredients (functional sugar replacement formulations).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is erythritol safe for people with diabetes?
Yes — erythritol has a glycaemic index of 0 and does not raise blood glucose or insulin. Approximately 90% is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in the urine. It is generally considered the safest polyol sweetener for diabetic-friendly applications.
Is erythritol better than xylitol for dental health?
A 3-year clinical trial (DENTOBAC) comparing erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol found that erythritol produced the greatest reductions in dental caries incidence and S. mutans counts, suggesting erythritol may be more effective than xylitol per gram for dental caries prevention.
Is erythritol keto-friendly?
Yes — erythritol has zero net carbohydrates as it is not metabolised and does not affect blood ketone levels or glucose in ketogenic diet contexts. It is one of the most widely used sweeteners in keto and low-carbohydrate product formulations.
Why is erythritol better tolerated than other polyols?
Approximately 90% of erythritol is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in the urine — a much higher absorption rate than xylitol, sorbitol, or maltitol. This means very little erythritol reaches the colon where unabsorbed polyols cause osmotic laxative effects.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human studies; Moderate = a few trials; Emerging = early lab data.
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