Erythrit

log Kow = -2.29

-2.29

About twice as sweet as sucrose

Compared to sucrose, it exhibits a sweetness of 60-70% depending on the food system

Bipyramidal tetragonal prisms

White crystals

Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, insoluble in diethyl ether.

Very soluble in water (saturated solution contains about 61% w/w); soluble in pyridine (saturated solution contains 2.5% w/w); slightly soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in ether

Insoluble in ethyl ether, benzene

In water, 6.10X10+5 mg/L at 22 °C

610 mg/mL at 22 °C

330.5 °C

330.00 to 331.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 98.2% (107 of 109) of all reports.

Not Classified

Aggregated GHS information provided per 109 reports by companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

Warning

H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Chemical: 1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol, (R*,S*)-

Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (amended)

1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol, (2R,3S)-rel- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of 1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol, (2R,3S)-rel- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

PMN - indicates a commenced PMN (Pre-Manufacture Notices) substance.

Status: Active Update: 31-05-2018 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/23674

1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol, (2R,3S)-rel-: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

No evidence of reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, or teratogenicity in rats or rabbits even at very high doses (10% dietary or 5,000 mg/kg/day intravenously); [REPROTOX] Ingestion of 50 grams can cause nausea and mild GI discomfort; [Reference #1] May cause irritation; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Food labeling. Health claims: dietary noncariogenic carbohydrate sweeteners and dental caries. ... Eligible noncariogenic carbohydrate sweeteners are the sugar alcohols xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, isomalt, lactitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, hydrogenated glucose syrups, and erythritol, or a combination of these.

Not Classified

Skin Irrit. 2 (100%)

Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or foam as appropriate for surrounding fire and materials.

This material is assumed to be combustible. As with all dry powders it is advisable to ground mechanical equipment in contact with dry material to dissipate the potential buildup of static electricity.

Store in tight container as defined in the USP-NF. This material should be handled and stored per label instructions to ensure product integrity. Store in a refrigerator.

When stored for up to 4 years in ambient conditions (20 °C, 50% RH) erythritol has been shown to be stable.

Wear approved respiratory protection, chemically compatible gloves and protective clothing. Wipe up spillage or collect spillage using a high efficiency vacuum cleaner. Avoid breathing dust. Place spillage in appropriately labeled container for disposal. Wash spill site.

SRP: Criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

As with all fires, evacuate personnel to a safe area. Firefighters should use self-contained breathing equipment and protective clothing.

As a general rule, when handling USP Reference Standards avoid all contact and inhalation of dust, mists, and/or vapors associated with the material. Wash thoroughly after handling.

/Wear/ chemically compatible gloves, /and/ safety glasses or goggles. Protect exposed skin.

Engineering controls such as exhaust ventilation are recommended.

Use a NIOSH approved respirator, if it is determined to be necessary by an industrial hygiene survey involving air monitoring. In the event that a respirator is not required, an approved dust mask should be used.

Erythritol ... can ... be found in the human body.

Seven polyols, erythritol, arabinitol, anhydroflucitol, mannitol, sorbitol, myoinositol and possibly ribitol were identified in human cerebrospinal fluid by means of gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Quantitative data were obtained for five polyols, arabinitol, anhydroglucitol, mannitol, sorbitol and myoinositol, by screening of 205 CSF samples. These five polyols represented 90-95 per cent of the polyol-concentration which was 340 +/- 105 mumol/1 in the total series. The concentration of polyols in the CSF was two times higher than that in the plasma (148 +/- 30 mumol/1), where only anhydroglucitol and myoinositol could be quantitated. The variations noted were not associated with age, sex or the plasma concentrations of polyols. The polyols of the CSF most likely originate from brain tissue and/or spinal cord since penetration from the plasma against a gradient seems unlikely.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that erythritol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of erythritol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.1X10-10 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). Erythritol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 5.2X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(4). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC, 2011).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that erythritol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.1X10-10 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -2.29(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2011).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), erythritol, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 5.2X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase erythritol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 4 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.9X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase erythritol may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). Erythritol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of erythritol can be estimated to be 1(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that erythritol is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ In order to investigate the effects of repeated doses of erythritol on blood glucose control and renal function in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, three male out-patients (mean age, 65 +/- 6 years) and eight female out-patients (mean age, 50 +/- 14 years) consumed 20 g of erythritol in a solution throughout the day daily for 14 days with their usual diet, but without specific restriction on timing or division of the daily dose. Food intake was monitored for three days before the test and three days before the end of the test. Body weights before and after administration and blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c after fasting were determined in all participants as indices of control of diabetes. In four or five of the subjects, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, beta-2-microglobulin, and urinary proteins (not specified) were measured as indices of renal function before and after erythritol treatment. None of the participants reported diarrhea or any other subjective symptoms during treatment. The blood glucose concentrations after fasting, reported for nine subjects (sex not specified), decreased from 181 +/- 60 mg/dL before administration to 165 +/- 57 mg/dL after administration, which was not significant. The hemoglobin A1c concentrations after fasting, reported for all 11 participants, were the same as those before treatment for four, decreased in six, and increased in one subject after erythritol treatment. The large decreases in two subjects resulted in a decrease in the group mean value after treatment, to 7.5 +/- 1.6% from 8.5 +/- 1.5% before administration. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and beta -2-microglobulin values were reported for only five or fewer subjects, but erythritol had no effect on these parameters. Urinary proteins, as measured colorimetrically for an unspecified number of participants, were reported not to be affected by erythritol treatment. ...

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The gastrointestinal tolerance and diuretic response to repeated doses of erythritol were examined in a double-blind, two-way cross-over study in which healthy men consumed erythritol and, for comparison, sucrose. Twelve men aged 22-46 and weighing 65-98 kg consumed each test material for seven days, comprising a two-day adaption period at home and a five-day test period under supervision. The men consumed 0.3 g/kg bw erythritol or 0.6 g/kg bw sucrose in test foods during the first and second day of adaptation, respectively, and 1 g/kg bw per day of erythritol or sucrose in yoghurt, biscuits, soft drinks, or chocolate under supervision. In order to attain the correct dose, fixed amounts were given in test foods at each meal except the evening meal, when individual doses of the test compounds were administered in order to reach the nominal dose of 1 g/kg bw for each subject. Beverages such as mineral water and fruit juice were allowed ad libitum, but consumption of caffeine-containing drinks was limited to four cups per day. ... The entire urine volume was collected at five 3-hr intervals during the day and one 9-hr interval overnight throughout the test period, and sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, phosphorus, citrate, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and N-acetylglucosamine activities, beta-2-microglobulin, urea, and creatinine were determined. The concentration of erythritol was determined in a separate aliquot. The daily dose 1 g/kg bw per day erythritol was well tolerated, with no increase in the reported incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. One man reported thirst during treatment with erythritol, but there were no differences in the subjective judgements of the frequency and quantity of urine production. Fluid intake varied considerably among the study participants, from 800 to 6600 mL/man per day, and the averages for both treatment periods were reported to be high in comparison to usual intakes, but there was no significant difference between the two periods. Urine production was about 7% higher during erythritol treatment, but the increase was not statistically significant. Urinary excretion of erythritol resulted in significantly (p < 0.001) increased urine osmolarity and hourly output of osmotically active solutes, but urinary pH and the excretion of creatinine, urea, citrate, sodium, potassium, and chlorine were not affected. Marginal but statistically significant increases in calcium concentration, microalbumin, beta-2-microglobulin, and N-acetylglucosamine activity were noted consistently over the five-day period after ingestion of erythritol, although the values for these parameters remained within reference intervals and below values that would be considered clinically relevant. The data on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity were considered unreliable and were therefore not reported. Thus, 1 g/kg bw of erythritol was consumed as part of the regular diet over five days without adverse gastrointestinal symptoms. Urine volume and urinary electrolyte and protein excretion were not significantly affected at this dose, suggesting the absence of a diuretic effect, although the high fluid consumption of the participants and the consumption of coffee and/or tea (up to four cups per day) may have prevented the detection of any diuretic effect of erythritol.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ In a study of the gastrointestinal tolerance of healthy adults to repeated ingestion of a tea drink containing erythritol, eight male volunteers aged 30-53 years, with a mean body weight of 70 kg, consumed five tins of tea drink, one after each meal and two between meals, for three consecutive days, for a total of 60 g erythritol and an average intake of 0.86 g/kg bw per day. Each subject completed a questionnaire on his general condition, including stool consistency and abdominal condition after ingestion. Effects on urine volume were not evaluated. No changes in stool consistency or on the frequency of defecation were reported, and no adverse effects on gastrointestinal condition or general health were reported.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The gastrointestinal tolerance of healthy adults to repeated ingestion of a coffee drink containing erythritol was evaluated in six male volunteers aged 30-53 years and with a mean body weight of 74 kg. The men drank five tins of coffee drink, one after each meal and two between meals, for three consecutive days, for a total quantity of erythritol ingested of 68 g and an average intake of 0.91 g/kg bw per day. Each man completed a questionnaire on his general condition, including stool consistency and abdominal condition after ingestion. Effects on urine volume were not evaluated. No changes in stool consistency or on the frequency of defecation were reported, and no abdominal symptoms were observed. Three of the men reported dryness or irritation of the throat and/or stomach, which was resolved by drinking water. The author suggested that these symptoms were due to the high osmotic activity of the coffee drink.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Erythritol (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for erythritol(SRC), using a log Kow of -2.29(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for erythritol is estimated as 3.1X10-10 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that erythritol is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water and moist soil surfaces(2). Erythritol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 5.2X10-7 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(3).

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ In a study to examine the effect of repeated doses of erythritol on serum blood urea nitrogen and urinary excretion of electrolytes added to the drinking-water, groups of 12 female Wistar rats were given erythritol at 8 g/kg bw per day (purity, 99.7%) by gavage and given access to tap water containing sodium hypochlorite, a low-electrolyte solution (35 mmol/L sodium; 35 mmol/L potassium; 80 mmol/L chloride; 5 mmol/L calcium) or a high-electrolyte solution (70 mmol/L sodium; 70 mmol/L potassium; 160 mmol/L chlorine; 10 mmol/L calcium) ad libitum for four weeks. ... Almost all the treated rats had soft, muddy, or watery stools on the first day of treatment, regardless of electrolyte intake, and diarrhea was observed in some rats for the remainder of the study. ... Erythritol resulted in a slight decrease in feed consumption, which became more pronounced when the rats were also exposed to electrolytes. During the first six days of the study, erythritol caused increased water intake, which was further increased in groups exposed to electrolytes. During the remainder of the study, the water intakes of animals given erythritol in tap water were comparable to those of controls given tap water, while those in rats given erythritol plus low-electrolyte water or erythritol plus high-electrolyte water remained higher than those of groups receiving erythritol or electrolytes alone. This difference in drinking-water intake between erythritol-treated and control groups receiving supplementary electrolytes resulted in a higher net intake of electrolytes by the erythritol-treated groups. The hematocrit was unaffected by erythritol and/or electrolytes. Erythritol alone resulted in significant (p < 0.05) decreases in serum sodium and chloride concentrations, while co-administration of electrolytes significantly increased the concentrations to those observed in control rats. Erythritol caused a decrease in osmotic pressure that was unaffected by co-administration of electrolytes. Although exposure to erythritol alone resulted in slightly increased blood urea nitrogen, the difference was not statistically significant. When erythritol was administered with high-electrolyte concentrations, the blood urea nitrogen was reduced to concentrations significantly lower than those of animals receiving erythritol plus tap water or tap water alone. The total concentration of serum protein in animals given erythritol plus tap water was comparable to that of animals given tap water alone, but when erythritol was combined with electrolytes, the total serum protein concentrations decreased in a dose-related manner. The ratio of albumin: globulin was increased by erythritol and further increased by co-administered electrolytes. ... Although the urine volume was not affected by erythritol alone, it increased the specific gravity and osmotic pressure over those of controls receiving tap water. ... Animals treated with erythritol plus tap water had greater excretion of sodium, potassium, chlorine, and exposure to electrolytes further increased the urinary excretion in proportion to their increased intake, irrespective of erythritol treatment. ... Erythritol treatment alone increased both the absolute and relative kidney weights, although only the relative weight differed significantly from that of controls receiving tap water. Co-administration of electrolytes with erythritol did not affect kidney weights when compared with erythritol alone. Independent of electrolyte concentrations, dilatation of the renal tubules was reported more frequently in erythritol-treated rats. The authors concluded that the diuretic action of erythritol leads to hyponatraemia and the increase in blood urea nitrogen results from compensatory homeostatic mechanisms, since this increase was inhibited by addition of electrolytes to the drinking-water.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Groups of four beagles of each sex were given 0, 1, 2.2, or 5 g/kg bw per day of erythritol (solution of 19.7 or 20.1%; purity not stated) by intravenous injection for 180 days. Controls received physiological saline at the same volume as that received by the high-dose group. An additional two animals of each sex received 0, 2.2, or 5 g/kg bw per day by the same schedule and were allowed to recover without treatment for one month after treatment. As two bitches at the high dose had to be killed after dosing errors, a supplementary study was initiated in which groups of two bitches were given erythritol at 0 or 5 g/kg bw per day by the same protocol as used in the main study. The data from the two studies were combined such that there were 8, 4, 6, and 6 bitches in the treatment phase and 4, 0, 2, and 2 bitches in the recovery phase at 0, 1, 2.2, and 5 g/kg bw per day, respectively. ... A number of effects on general condition were noted in treated animals which included hypoactivity on the first day of dosing, increased frequencies of urination and vomiting during the first hour after dosing, and the appearance of red urine early in the study, particularly in animals at the higher dose. Salivation was also reported in bitches at the high dose. The incidences of diarrhea and soft stools were not increased by treatment. ... A dose-related increase in water consumption was seen during treatment that reached statistical significance (p < 0.05) in dogs at all doses and in bitches at the two higher doses. ... Some minor changes in electrocardiographic parameters were observed in treated animals, but the responses were inconsistent and the values of the affected parameters were within normal ranges. ... Treated bitches showed a dose-related increase in blood urea nitrogen at three and six months which was statistically significant at the intermediate and high doses at three months and at all doses at six months. Since there was no evidence of impaired renal function and no histopathological evidence of renal damage, the toxicological significance of the increased blood urea nitrogen is questionable. Treatment resulted in a dose-related increase in urine volume which was statistically significant at 2.2 and 5 g/kg bw per day in dogs and at 5 g/kg bw per day in bitches, and a dose-related decrease in the specific gravity of the urine which was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in dogs at the intermediate and high doses. There were no differences in urine volume or specific gravity at the end of the recovery period. Controls, given physiological saline, excreted more urinary sodium and chlorine during treatment than before administration or during recovery, while potassium excretion was unaffected. In comparisons with pre-treatment urinary excretion of sodium, ... erythritol was found to increase excretion in animals of each sex at the intermediate and high doses. These doses also tended to increase the chlorine excretion over that before treatment, most markedly in males. Urinary excretion of potassium was decreased in dogs at both three and six months and in bitches at the high dose at three months. Urinary excretion of sodium, chlorine, and potassium was comparable in all groups during the recovery period. ... Hemorrhages were observed in the urinary bladders of animals that had reddish urine during treatment, but there were no other gross or histopathological findings which could be related to treatment. There was no NOEL in this study. The LOEL was 1 g/kg bw per day on the basis of increased blood urea nitrogen and vomiting in bitches and increased water consumption by dogs at this dose. Higher doses were associated with vomiting, increased water consumption, increased urine volume, hemorrhage in the urinary bladder resulting in reddish urine, increased urinary sodium excretion in animals of each sex, and increased urinary chlorine excretion, decreased urinary potassium excretion, and atrophy of the acinar epithelium and foliate interstitial fibrosis of the prostate in dogs.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Groups of three beagles of each sex were given erythritol (purity, 99.7%) by gavage at doses of 0, 1.25, 2.5, or 5 g/kg bw per day, on seven days per week for 13 weeks. An additional two animals of each sex receiving the 0, 2.5, or 5 g/kg bw per day were treated for 13 weeks and then allowed to recover without treatment for four weeks. ... Changes in general condition that were associated with treatment were seen in animals of each sex at the intermediate and high doses and to a lesser extent in those at the low dose. ...These were transient effects which were resolved within 24 hrs and may have been due to increased plasma osmotic pressure. ... Erythritol caused dose-related increases in water consumption in animals of each sex during treatment, but because of large individual variations in water intake, consistent, statistically significant increases were observed only in dogs at the intermediate and high doses and bitches at the high dose. Animals of each sex at 2.5 and 5 g/kg bw per day showed a gradual increase in water intake during treatment. ... The urine volumes of animals at the high dose were significantly higher than those of controls during treatment but returned to pre-treatment concentrations during the recovery period. The urine of bitches at the low and intermediate doses had a significantly higher specific gravity and osmotic pressure than that of controls during treatment; although the specific gravity of the urine of bitches at the high dose was also higher than that of controls, it was significantly so only at week 13. These differences probably reflected the urinary erythritol concentrations. The urine became paler with the increased volume associated with erythritol treatment. During weeks 7 and 13 of treatment, diarrhea was observed more often in animals at the high dose than in controls, and occult blood was observed in the feces of three of four dogs at this dose that had diarrhea at the end of treatment. Occult blood was a more frequent finding in dogs at the high dose because it was often observed in association with diarrhea. During the recovery period, occult blood was observed only in the feces of the one bitch at the intermediate dose that was affected during treatment. ... A variety of histopathological changes were seen in the renal tubules of two dogs at the high dose at the end of treatment, which included desquamation, eosinophilic degeneration, hydropic degeneration, pyknosis, slight dilatation, and slight necrosis. At the end of the recovery period, hyaline casts were observed in the kidneys of one dog at the intermediate dose and eosinophilic degeneration and pyknosis of the tubules of one dog at the high dose. ... The NOEL was 1.25 g/kg bw per day on the basis of increased incidences of vomiting, diarrhea and/or loose stools, increased water consumption, and atrophy of the thymus in animals of each sex at higher doses. The dose of 5 g/kg bw per day was associated with increased urine volume, the presence of occult blood in urine, and histopathological changes in the kidneys of dogs. While the clinical signs and clinical biochemical and urinary parameters had disappeared by the end of the four-week recovery period, thymic atrophy and renal abnormalities were still apparent.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Groups of 22 Slc:Wistar rats of each sex received erythritol (19.7% solution; purity not reported) at doses of 0, 1, 1.73, or 3 g/kg bw per day by intravenous injection for 180 days. Six additional rats in each group except that receiving 1 g/kg bw per day were allowed to recover without treatment for one month. Control animals received physiological saline at a volume corresponding to that received by animals at the high dose. The rats were observed for deaths and clinical signs of toxicity at least once a day during both treatment and recovery. ... After three and six months of treatment, urine was collected from six rats of each sex per group in metabolism cages. ... Before necropsy at the end of treatment or recovery, blood samples were obtained for assessment of hematological and biochemical parameters. All animals were examined externally and then sacrificed; their organs and tissues were examined grossly. ... No unusual clinical observations or deaths related to treatment were found during the study. The mean body weights of males at the high dose were lower than those of controls during most of the treatment period through to the end of recovery, and at the end of treatment the difference from controls was approximately 6%. ... Average feed consumption during treatment was unaffected, but the treatment resulted in dose-related increases in the water intake of animals of each sex at all doses, which were more often statistically significant ( p < 0.05) in males than in females and increased with dose. As the water intakes of controls tended to be higher during recovery than during treatment, the water intake of treated rats did not change during the recovery period. Erythritol treatment resulted in a dose-related decrease in the erythrocte and hemoglobin counts and in the hematocrits of animals of each sex, which were statistically significant in males at all doses and in females at the intermediate and high doses, although these parameters remained within the reference ranges reported in the literature. The number of reticulocytes was reported to be significantly higher in females receiving 1.73 or 3 g/kg bw per day and in males receiving 3 g/kg bw per day than in controls. At the end of the recovery period, the hematological parameters in treated animals were comparable to those in their respective controls. Females showed a dose-related increase in serum blood urea nitrogen that was significant at the high dose. Significantly lower serum sodium and calcium concentrations were seen in all treated males than in controls, and males at the high dose also had significantly higher serum potassium concentrations. ... At three and six months, the urine volumes of animals of each sex at 1.73 and 3 g/kg bw per day were significantly higher than in controls, the increase in urination being evident in rats at the high dose within the first hour of treatment. The urine density decreased with increasing dose of erythritol but at neither time were the decreases statistically significant. ... The urinary pH of females at the high dose was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), although the values remained within the reference ranges. After the one-month recovery period, urinary parameters in treated males were comparable to those in controls, but erythritol-treated females continued to excrete significantly more urine of a significantly lower density. Urinary electrolyte excretion was comparable in all female groups at the end of the recovery period. Treated rats of each sex had dose-related increases in the absolute and relative weights of the kidneys, which were statistically significant at 1.73 g/kg bw per day. No difference in absolute or relative kidney weights was observed at the end of recovery. The absolute and relative weights of the thymus were lower in males at the high dose but only the absolute weight differed significantly (p < 0.05) from that of controls. The absolute and relative weights of the left and right adrenal glands were higher in rats of each sex at the high dose than in their respective controls, but only the relative weights differed significantly from those of controls. Consistent with the known mode of action of erythritol, no increase in caecal weights was reported in this study. No abnormalities were observed during histopathological or electron microscopic examination conducted at the end of the treatment and recovery periods. The NOEL was 1 g/kg bw per day on the basis of increased water intake, urine production, reticulocyte count, and adrenal and kidney weights in animals of each sex, decreased body weight and serum potassium in males, and increased blood urea nitrogen in females at higher doses. At the end of the one-month recovery period, the body weights of males at the high dose remained depressed, and diuresis was still present in females at the intermediate and high doses.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Erythritol (22 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of erythritol with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 2.9X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 4 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Erythritol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(2). Erythritol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(2), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Occupational exposure to erythritol may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where erythritol is produced or used. Use data indicate that the general population may be exposed to erythritol via ingestion of consumer products containing erythritol. Limited exposure may occur from inhaling smoke from grilling crustaceans. (SRC)

Food labeling. Health claims: dietary noncariogenic carbohydrate sweeteners and dental caries. ... Eligible noncariogenic carbohydrate sweeteners are the sugar alcohols xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, isomalt, lactitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, hydrogenated glucose syrups, and erythritol, or a combination of these.

... Reports from authoritative bodies and reviews indicates that the decrease in pH in plaque as a consequence of metabolic acid production by saccharolytic bacteria when exposed to fermentable carbohydrates (i.e. sugars and starches) may promote demineralization and prevent remineralization of the hydroxyapatite crystals. Tooth hydroxyapatite crystals are very resistant to dissolution at neutral pH, but their solubility drastically increases as pH drops. Typically, the critical pH for dental enamel is around 5.5. ... Demineralization of tooth tissues can also occur as a result of consumption of dietary acids in foods or beverages, and that frequent consumption can lead to dental erosion. Xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, erythritol, D-tagatose, isomaltulose, sucralose and polydextrose are slowly metabolized by bacteria in the mouth. The rate and amount of acid production from these food constituents is significantly less than that from sucrose. ... Xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, erythritol, D-tagatose, isomaltulose, sucralose and polydextrose do not promote dental caries because they do not lower plaque pH to the level associated with enamel demineralization. ... A cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of sugar-containing foods/drinks at an exposure frequency of four times daily or more and an increased tooth demineralization, and that the consumption of foods/drinks containing xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, erythritol, D-tagatose, isomaltulose, sucralose or polydextrose, instead of sugar in sugar-containing foods/drinks, may maintain tooth mineralization by decreasing tooth demineralization compared with sugar-containing foods, provided that such foods/drinks do not lead to dental erosion.

The food constituents xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, erythritol, D-tagatose, isomaltulose, sucralose or polydextrose resulted in reduced post-prandial blood glucose (or insulinemic) responses compared with sugars on a weight by weight basis owing to their reduced/delayed digestion/absorption and/or to a decrease in the amount of available carbohydrates, and that the consumption of foods/drinks in which xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, erythritol, D-tagatose, isomaltulose, sucralose or polydextrose replaced sugars induced lower post-prandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses than sugar-containing foods/drinks. ... A cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of foods/drinks containing xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, erythritol, D-tagatose, isomaltulose, sucralose or polydextrose instead of sugar and reduction in post-prandial blood glucose responses (without disproportionally increasing post-prandial insulinemic responses) as compared to sugar-containing foods/drinks.

After a 12 hr fast, five men received a single oral dose of 0.3 g/kg bw erythritol as a 20% aqueous solution. Urine samples were collected over 48 hr and blood samples over 24 hr to allow determination of erythritol. The compound appeared to be readily absorbed, the plasma concentration peaking at 430 g/mL 30 min after treatment, with a half-time of 3.4 hr. ...

Three beagle dogs were given a single oral dose of 1 g/kg bw (14)C-erythritol after an 18 hr fast and were then housed individually in metabolism cages and fasted for an additional 8 hr. Blood samples were collected from each dog 1, 5, 15, and 30 min and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hr after dosing for determination of radiolabel in blood and plasma and for calculation of the ratio of distribution to erythrocytes. ... The concentration of erythritol in blood and plasma reached a peak 30 min after dosing and decreased in a biphasic manner with half-times of 0.07 and 1.7 hr in blood and 0.5 and 5.4 hr in plasma. ...

Groups of three male Wistar rats were given a single oral dose of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 g (14)C-erythritol/kg bw after an 18 hr fast, and they were fasted for an additional 8 hr after dosing. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein 15 and 30 min and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hr after dosing in order to measure radioactivity. ... After the initial absorption, a biphasic decrease in the blood concentration of radiolabel was seen, with half-time values for the biphasic decrease of about 2 and 20 hr, respectively. The biphasic decrease was also observed at 2 g/kg bw, but the half-time values were longer (3 and 28 hr), indicating a slower rate of elimination. ...

In studies designed to investigate the metabolism of erythritol in vivo in healthy volunteers and to compare the fermentation of erythritol by human fecal flora in vitro with that of glucose and lactitol, four male and two female volunteers aged 21-25 undertook an overnight fast and were then chosen at random to receive a single dose of 25 g (13)C-erythritol, (13)C-glucose, and (13)C-lactitol in 250 mL of water with at least three days between each treatment. Breath samples were taken for analysis of (13)C-carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas before treatment and at 30 min intervals up to 6 hr after treatment. The ratio of (13)C:(12)C-carbon dioxide was measured by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. ... In order to maintain a constant metabolic rate, the subjects remained at rest during the study. For the assay of fermentation in vitro, fecal samples were collected from six healthy volunteers (sex and age not specified) who ate a normal western diet. None of the subjects complained of gastrointestinal symptomsand none had used antibiotics in the past six months. The samples were incubated under anaerobic conditions for 6 hr, and then the hydrogen gas concentration was measured in the head-space of the incubation vials. ... After a 6 hr incubation with erythritol, the amount of hydrogen gas formed by the fecal flora was comparable to that in control vials, but significantly (p < 0.001) more hydrogen gas was produced in the glucose and lactitol vials than in either control or erythritol.

Groups of three Wistar rats of each sex were given a single dose of 0.1 g/kg bw (14)C-erythritol by gavage, as follows: germ-free rats were kept under sterile conditions until administration of commercial (14)C-erythritol; adapted conventional rats received diets containing weekly increases of 5, 10, and 20% erythritol for three weeks before administration of commercial (14)C-erythritol; unadapted conventional rats were kept on CIVO stock diet before administration of commercial (14)C-erythritol; or germ-free rats were kept under sterile conditions until dosing with purified (14)C-erythritol. Rats were not fasted before dosing. Immediately after treatment, the rats were placed in individual metabolism cages to allow collection of expired carbon dioxide, urine, and feces over 24 hrs. ... In rats that received commercial (14)C-erythritol, 2.5-2.9% of the radiolabel was erythrose and 0.2-0.35% was glucose. In germ-free rats that received purified (14)C-erythritol, less radiolabel was associated with erythrose. No volatile radioactive components were identified by lyophilization of the urine samples.

Groups of 11 male Wistar rats were fed control diet or control diet containing 10% erythritol (added at the expense of corn starch) for two weeks. They were then sacrificed, the caecal contents were collected and pooled by group, and the contents were suspended. Samples of each suspension were incubated with 12 mg (14)C-erythritol (10 uCi) for 6 hr under anaerobic conditions, and the incubation mixture was analyzed for erythritol, short-chain fatty acids, and carbon dioxide 1, 2, 4, and 6 hr after the beginning of incubation. The total recoveries of radiolabel were comparable for control and treated groups at the end of incubation, but the proportions of all (14)C-labelled products of fermentation differed significantly ( p < 0.01) between the two groups: in the controls, 84% of the radiolabel was present as unchanged erythritol, and carbon dioxide, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid each accounted for < 2% of the radiolabel; in contrast, < 1% of the radiolabel in the caecal contents of treated rats was present as erythritol at the end of incubation, 17% of the administered dose was released as (14)C-carbon dioxide within 2 hr of incubation, and 24% of the radiolabel was recovered as (14)C-carbon dioxide by the end of the incubation period. Succinic, acetic, propionic, and butyric acids were identified as fermentation products and accounted for about 60% of the radiolabel at the end of the incubation period. Succinic acid was detectable after 1 hr but not subsequently, suggesting that it was fermented to other products.

In 12 male subjects who consumed 1 g/kg bw per day erythritol in a variety of foods during a five-day test period under controlled conditions, the mean urinary excretion was 61-88% of the nominal ingested dose, with an average of 78%.

The peak serum concentration of erythritol in five non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients (sex not indicated) who consumed a single dose of 20 g erythritol in solution occurred 1 hr after administration and was 650 +/= 37 ug/mL. On average, 82, 88, and 88% of the administered erythritol was recovered in the urine 24, 48, and 72 hrs after dosing, respectively.

After 12 male and 12 female volunteers received a dose of 0.4 or 0.8 g/kg bw erythritol in a chocolate snack, the plasma erythritol concentrations increased rapidly, reaching peaks of 3 and 5 mmol/L 1 and 2 hrs after dosing with 0.4 and 0.8 g/kg bw, respectively. Starting 2 hrs after treatment, the plasma erythritol concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the group given 0.8 g/kg bw than in that given 0.4 g/kg bw. At both doses, erythritol appeared in the urine within 2 hrs of dosing, the largest quantities being collected between 2 and 4 hrs after administration. Erythritol was still present in urine 22 hrs after treatment. The concentration of erythritol in the urine of individuals given 0.8 g/kg bw was about twice and significantly (p < 0.05) greater than that in the urine of people given 0.4 g/kg bw. On average, 61 and 62% of the administered erythritol was recovered in the urine after the 0.4 and 0.8 g/kg bw doses, respectively, within 22 hrs.

The kinetics of erythritol in plasma and urine were investigated in three men and three women after an overnight fast. Each subject ingested a single oral dose of 1 g/kg bw dissolved in 250 mL of water, and blood samples were taken 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min after dosing for determination of plasma concentrations of erythritol. Plasma creatinine concentrations were determined in a blood sample taken before treatment. Urine was collected over 0-30 min, 30-60 min, 1-2 hr, 2-3 hr, and 3-24 hr after treatment for determination of the volume and of the erythritol and creatinine concentrations. Erythritol was detected in the plasma 10 min after dosing, and the mean plasma concentrations increased steadily from 15 min after treatment to a peak of 2.2 mg/mL after 90 min. The urine volume and erythritol concentration reached a maximum during 1-2 hr after ingestion, at about the same time that the plasma concentration of erythritol peaked. Urinary recovery of erythritol over the 24 hr collection period accounted for 78% of the administered dose, with 30% collected after 3 hr. During 1 and 2 hr after administration, the clearance of erythritol was about half that of creatinine, indicating tubular reabsorption of erythritol by the kidney.

For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for Erythritol (20 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Occurs naturally in fruits and fermented foods; Used as a food additive (non-nutritive sweetener); [Merck Index] Used in pharmaceuticals and to make erythrityl tetranitrate; [HSDB] Used as a flavor enhancer, humectant, carrier, and sweetener for foods; [JECFA]

Erythritol is a naturally occurring noncariogenic excipient used in a variety of pharmaceutical preparations, including in solid dosage forms as a tablet filler, and in coatings. It has also been investigated for use in dry powder inhalers. It is also used in sugar-free lozenges, and medicated chewing gum.

Non-nutritive sweetener in beverages

Manufacture of erythrityl tetranitrate

Erythritol is produced on industrial scale by fermentation. ... As starting material, aqueous solutions of glucose or sucrose are used. The naturally occurring yeast Moniliella pollinis, originally isolated from pollen found in a honeycomb, is used for the fermentation. In the fermentation broth, large amounts of erythritol are formed besides other polyols. After filtration, ion exchange chromatography, and concentration, erythritol is crystallized with more than 99% purity.

Food additives

Food Additives -> CARRIER; CARRIER_SOLVENT; FLAVOUR_ENHANCER; HUMECTANT; SWEETENER -> JECFA Functional Classes

Food Additives -> CARRIER; CARRIER_SOLVENT; FLAVOUR_ENHANCER; HUMECTANT; SWEETENER -> JECFA Functional Classes

Cosmetics -> Humectant; Moisturising

Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable

1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol, (2R,3S)-rel-: ACTIVE

Table of percent relative sweetness and caloric values: [Table#7892]

Compared to sucrose, it exhibits a sweetness of 60-70% depending on the food system.

Producers of erythritol are Cargill (USA), Jungbunzlauer (Switzerland); Mitsubishi Chem. Corp (Japan), and some Chinese producers. Production in 2010 was > 30 000 t/a.