Erythritol Side Effects
Erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol produced in fruits such as watermelon, grapes and pears. It can also be found in fermented products such as wine and beer. Most commonly used as a sugar substitute in products like candy, sugar-free gum, yogurts and beverages, erythritol does not affect the user's blood sugar or cause tooth decay.
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Side effects
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Erythritol has a low risk of side effects because it is a natural product. Only when extreme amounts are consumed may a person feel gassy or bloated. Frequent use also can have a laxative effect. If an allergic reaction to erythritol occurs, a person may experience hives and itching.
Who is at risk?
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Those who are most at risk of experiencing side effects are children and those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Again, side effects typically occur only when erythritol is used frequently and in large quantities.
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History of use
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Erythritol was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997 as an artificial sweetener, but it has been used in Japan since 1989. Erythritol is a common ingredient in diet foods, low-carbohydrate foods and food products for diabetics. It may also be used by those on a a low-calorie or calorie-restricted diet.
Digestive benefits
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The body absorbs erythritol easily, so it is easy to digest. It typically does not cause the digestive and gastric side effects that other artificial sweeteners do. Erythritol resists the growth of bacterial and fungal infections, like candida, better than natural sugars do.
Long-term effects
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Erythritol has the fewest side effects of all sugar substitute, if not used in excess. In addition, scientists have concluded that erythritol is noncarcinogenic, meaning it does not cause cancer.
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