2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Erythritol / Erythritol or (CH2OHCHOH) 2 / is a white crystalline sugar alcohol, which is very similar to crystal sugar and is used as an alternative. Erythritol is also known as a dietary supplement E968. Along with xylitol and sorbitol, erythritol is considered a useful sweetener. It contains fewer calories than honey and pure sugar, but is relatively more caloric than stevia, for example.
After ingestion, it leaves a cooling effect in the mouth. Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol that can be found in various fruits such as pears, watermelon, corn and grapes. It is also found in some fermented liquids such as beer and wine. There is evidence that it can be found in cheese and soy sauce.
As a sweetener erythritol was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the end of the last century. Almost a decade earlier, however, it had already been used in Japan as a food for people with diabetes.
Use of erythritol
Erythritol is most widely used in the food industry. It is placed in sweet products such as chewing gum, chewing candies, lollipops, fruit milks, jellies, shakes, juices, nectars, purees, dried fruits, carbonated drinks, jelly products and any other desserts that you can find on the market and especially in specialty stores.
It is also used in some chocolates, but due to the cooling effect it leaves in the mouth after consumption, manufacturers are still not sure whether these chocolate desserts are preferred or rather avoided by consumers. However, this effect makes erythritol a great component in the composition of mints and chewing gum.
Cooking with erythritol
Erythritol of crystals can also be used for cooking at home. This sweetener is used as our well-known crystal sugar. It can be used in various recipes. It is suitable for flavoring ice creams, jams, creams, smoothies, jellies, drinks, fruit purees. It can also be used in the preparation of biscuits, muffins, cookies.
Safe amount of erythritol
Studies show that larger quantities are unlikely erythritol cause gas or other disturbances. However, it is accepted that the recommended daily dose of sweetener is about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight. As this wording applies to the elderly. Children under 3 years of age should not take the substance without first consulting a specialist.
Benefits of erythritol
Consumption does not erythritol no doubt proves useful to many. It does not lower blood sugar levels and therefore can be used by people suffering from diabetes. This is a great product for people who need to monitor their intake of regular sugar very carefully.
Erythritol is not conducive to the appearance of caries and according to some studies may even help prevent this problem, as it reduces the acidity causing cavities and caries.
Many sweeteners (such as sorbitol) cause flatulence and bloating when consumed. However, this effect is not observed with erythritol. It easily passes through the body and is excreted in the urine. It is therefore preferable to dangerous artificial sugar substitutes such as aspartame, saccharin and cyclamate.
They have been blamed for kidney problems, tumors, headaches, asthma attacks, shortness of breath, hearing loss, seizures, joint pain, taste loss, weight gain, rashes, palpitations and a bunch of other unpleasant conditions, but erythritol for now does not connect to any of the above.
The product is recommended for a healthy and balanced diet. So far, experts believe that this dietary supplement does not lead to addiction and dependence. In larger quantities it can cause a laxative effect, so it can be used for slow metabolism or constipation.
The US Food and Drug Administration has declared erythritol a safe sweetener after long studies. FDA studies have not reported any allergic reactions to the substance.
Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration has decided not to affix special warning labels to products containing erythritol.
Harm from erythritol
Although erythritol generally considered a safe sweetener, it is possible at the beginning of its use, and also when consumed in larger quantities, to feel some side effects.
For example, it is possible that excessive intake of the substance may cause diarrhea or abdominal pain. Too much sweetener can also lead to GI distress-gastrointestinal distress, which is expressed in constant fatigue and lack of desire for physical activity.
Experts also advise people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or other stomach problems to avoid swallowing erythritol. If such a patient takes the substance, it is possible that he may experience discomfort or his condition may worsen.
