Mannitol

Mannitol is a polyol, or sugar alcohol, found naturally in many plants, marine algae, and mushrooms. It can also be produced through industrial fermentation using micro-organisms, or by the hydrogenation of mannose. Its chemical structure gives it a moderate sweetening power — approximately 60% that of sucrose — with a lower caloric contribution. Due to its low intestinal absorption, mannitol does not cause significant blood sugar spikes, making it a widely used sugar substitute in food and pharmaceutical formulations. It also helps improve the texture and stability of preparations. In the field of food supplements, mannitol is primarily used as an excipient: it acts as a carrier, bulking agent, or sweetener in the manufacture of tablets, capsules, and powders. Its good digestive tolerance at moderate doses and its stability make it a reliable and widely recognised technological ingredient in nutritional formulations.