E421 Mannitol (or manna sugar)

E421 MANNITOLO (or SUGAR OF MANNA)

Mannitol, often called mannite, is a chiral alditol found in many plants, such as conifers, seaweeds and fungi; its name derives from the manna (the sap of the ash) from which it can be obtained. In addition to having a natural origin, mannitol can be produced synthetically from glucose.

Mannitol is an additive with a stabilizing, thickening, gelling, emulsifying, sweetening (slightly sweetening power than that of sucrose), leavening and diuretic (it belongs to the class of osmotic diuretics and is contained in various cough candies and in certain medicines for children).

Mannitol can be added to many bakery and confectionery products, dietetic foods and dried fruit.

A part of the mannitol present in our body is absorbed and metabolized as glucose, while the other part is fermented in the large intestine, where the gases produced during fermentation could cause swelling and flatulence. Generally, only after the consumption of an excessive quantity, can negative gastrointestinal side effects occur (due to its laxative effect) excluding the negative side effects that can occur, even in small doses, in people intolerant to mannitol (gas formation ).

Not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children, because following ingestion of mannitol they could suffer gastric problems.

ADI DOSE: 0-50 mg per kg of body weight (for other sources up to 160 mg / kg of body weight). Despite everything, Mannitol is not a dangerous compound for the consumer's health, being a carbohydrate in all respects.