PureBulk

Supplement Facts Volumetrics Certificate of Analysis

What is Mannitol?

Mannitol is a polyol or a sugar alcohol, which means it is derived from a sugar by reduction. It is similar in chemical structure to the polyols xylitol and sorbitol. Sugar alcohols do not contribute to tooth decay.

Mannitol has only 1.6 calories per gram, less than half the 4 calories in sugar and is also about half as sweet. Because it is poorly absorbed by the body it does not significantly raise insulin levels as does sucrose or fructose. Mannitol is frequently used by diabetics as a sugar substitute.

Mannitol is not a significant promoter of tooth decay. It is often used in oral candies and chewing gum and is noncarcinogenic.

Mannitol has been widely and safely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries around the world for over 60 years because of its unique properties.

Mannitol has a negative heat of solution (meaning that it absorbs heat and becomes cold as it dissolves). It is often added as a sweetener in breath freshening candies to provide a pleasingly cool sensation when dissolved in the mouth. This desirable cooling effect is useful in masking bitter tastes as well.

Mannitol is commercially available in variety of powder and granular forms. Unlike sorbitol (a polyol often used for its humectant properties) mannitol is nonhygroscopic, which means it does not pick up moisture. For this reason, it is often used very much like a dusting powder for chewing gum to ensure the gum will not stick to manufacturing equipment and wrappers.

By virtue of its high melting point (165-169 degrees centigrade), mannitol is also used in chocolate-flavored coating agents for ice cream and confections. Its pleasant taste, stability to moisture pickup and ability to retain its color at high temperatures makes mannitol ideal for use in pharmaceuticals and nutritional tablets.

Mannitol is found in nature, particularly in trees, marine algae and fresh mushrooms. Today, this isomer of sorbitol is synthesized by the hydrogenation of specialty glucose syrups.

Health Benefits of Mannitol

Mannitol and sorbitol belong to a different family of sweeteners known as polyols or "sugar alcohols." Sugar alcohols are unique in that they don't give rise to elevated blood sugar levels.

Mannitol is used in vitamins and pharmaceutical products to increase absorption of vitamins and other nutrients. Sorbitol and mannitol are absorbed passively from the gastrointestinal tract, which means absorption is very slow or minimal. Their passive absorption allows a longer time for minerals to be absorbed.

In food, mannitol is used as a sweetener by diabetics. Low-calorie sweeteners can also be used by those who are simply watching their waistlines.

Polyols in general are resistant to metabolism by oral bacteria and do not increase the acidity of the mouth after ingestion, meaning mannitol does not promote tooth decay. The usefulness of polyols (including mannitol) as alternatives to sugars and as part of a comprehensive program including proper dental hygiene has been recognized by numerous authorities, including the American Dental Association. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of a "does not promote tooth decay" health claim in labeling for sugar-free foods that contain polyols, including mannitol.

Purity and Concentration of Mannitol

This pharmaceutical grade mannitol powder contains no fillers, taste additives or anti-caking agents.

Mannitol isn't easy to find, and buying this product in bulk is a good way to get this low-calorie sweetener.

Suggested Use of Mannitol

The suggested serving size for mannitol is 4 grams, taken up to 5 times daily, depending on individual needs. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Mannitol here. A serving size of 1/2 tablespoon is equal to 3.8 grams, so a slightly rounded 1/2 tablespoon is about equal to 4 grams

Potential Side Effects of Mannitol

Mannitol is only partially absorbed from the small intestine and not metabolized. In the lower part of the intestinal tract, colonic bacteria metabolize some of the non-absorbed portion. In some people, this may occasionally cause softer stools or more intestinal gas than usual, similar to the effects of complex carbohydrate foods such as beans or prunes. A person's response to low digestible carbohydrates varies depending on individual factors such as amount and frequency of consumption.

Mannitol is used in very small amounts in foods so the few people who may be sensitive usually have no problem if they gradually increase their consumption of low digestible carbohydrates. Excess consumption may have a laxative effect. Do not use more than 20 grams daily.

High consumption of sugar alcohols can lead to digestive upset, abdominal gas or bloating and diarrhea. Also, keep in mind that even though sugar alcohols are lower in calories, gram for gram, than sugar - 6.4 calories in a 4 gram serving for mannitol compared to 16 for sugar - they are not calorie-free.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Mannitol

Mannitol has a transparent white appearance and is a free-flowing crystalline powder that dissolves somewhat slowly in water. Mannitol tastes very much like table sugar: about 50% as sweet with no bitterness or aftertaste. It has a clean sweet taste.

Mannitol and sorbitol are inert substances, which mean they have little or no tendency or ability to react with other chemicals.

How should I store it?

You will receive this powder in a resealable bag. Store it in a cool, dry, dark location. Reseal tightly between uses.

References & Further Research

WebMD: Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes

Wikipedia: Mannitol

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.