Mannitol is a polyol, that is to say a sugar-alcohol that is related.
Like xylitol, it is used in the food industry as an additive that can replace sugar. Its sweetening power is 0.7 times that of traditional refined white sugar. It is often used in candies and chewing gums for its sweetness and the fresh breath feeling it provides.
It is present in the list of ingredients under the formula E421. It also prevents the drying of some prepared dishes.
In the medical field, mannitol is used as an active ingredient. It is a solution to reduce intracranial pressure and to treat patients who have kidney failure.
Where to find mannitol?
In its natural state, mannitol is present in quantity in fungi and algae. It is mostly manufactured industrially.
In this case, it is the result of the hydrogenation of a fructose from starch. The latter usually comes from transgenic products.
However, mannitol used in the food sector is not considered dangerous, and the authorities have not set a maximum threshold. That said, in high doses, it can act as a laxative.
