What is Mannitol?
Mannitol is a natural polyhydric alcohol that is found in many plants, such as seaweed, fungi and conifers. The term “alcohol” can be confusing because mannitol does not contain alcohol (ethanol).
Mannitol can also be obtained synthetically. In this form, mannitol is used as a food additive. It gives it a sweet taste and binds moisture well.
Discovery of mannitol
Mannitol was discovered in 1806 by the French pharmacist Joseph Loius Prous. He obtained it from the sap of manna ash, a tree growing in Southern Europe and Asia.
Today, mannitol is rarely obtained from this plant. It is cheaper to produce it synthetically.
Can you takecare of your healthwithoutgivingupsweetdelicacies?
We all know how harmful sugar can be. Its metabolism consumes many valuable minerals and B vitamins. Sugar causes the development of caries and irritates the gastric and duodenal mucosa. It also negatively affects the pancreas and liver.
Sugar substitutes come to our aid. One of the safe substitutes is mannitol. It has only 1.5 kcal per 1 gram of the product. It is 65% as sweet as white sugar.
Is Mannitol Safe For Health?
Mannitol is poorly absorbed in the intestines and does not work like sugar on the body. It has a low glycemic index, therefore it is safer than regular sugar.
To exceed a safe dose, you would need to consume 25-30 grams of mannitol at one time. Such amounts are not used in food products, so it is difficult to overdose. Mannitol should be avoided by people with diabetes, pregnant and lactating women and children.
In what products can mannitol be found?
Mannitol can be found primarily in products with low energy value or no added sugar, mainly in desserts, ice cream, chocolate, lollipops, jams, fruit jellies, confectionery, chewing gum, bread, frozen fish, liqueurs, dried fruit.
It is used as an ingredient in toothpaste, giving a pleasant cooling effect.
It is also used in cosmetics as a moisturizing and regenerating agent.
