Safety And Tolerability of Maltitol Syrup

Maltitol Syrup is a colorless, transparent, viscous liquid made of starch through liquefaction, saccharification, hydrogenation, refining and other processes. It belongs to Polyols (sugar alcohols) and is a widely used low calorie functional sweetener. The main component is maltitol, and the rest is water, a small amount of sorbitol and oligosaccharide alcohol.

I. Safety.

1. Regulatory approvals.

China’s GB 2760, the US FDA, the European Union and JECFA have all approved the use as food additives. Maltitol Syrup is a gras substance and can be widely used in sugar free food, candy, beverage, baking and medicine.

2. Non toxic, non carcinogenic, and non teratogenic.

The long-term toxicological tests showed that Maltitol Syrup had no chronic toxicity under normal dosage.

Maltitol Syrup does not participate in abnormal metabolism in the body and will not cause organ damage.

3. Blood glucose friendly.

Maltitol Syrup hardly raises blood glucose and is independent of insulin metabolism.

Maltitol Syrup has a low GI value and is suitable for diabetics and people who control sugar.

4. Not causing caries.

Oral bacteria cannot ferment maltitol to produce acid and will not corrode enamel.

II. Tolerability.

1. Digestion characteristics.

Maltitol is incompletely absorbed in the small intestine, and part of it enters the large intestine for fermentation.

Maltitol Syrup will increase the intestinal osmolarity, which may cause water to enter the intestine.

2. Common minor reactions.

Excessive consumption may occur:

① Abdominal distension and exhaust will be increased;

② Mild diarrhea and bowel sounds may occur. These are common reactions of sugar alcohols, not poisoning, and will recover soon after food cessation.

3. Tolerance dose reference.

Adult single tolerance: generally ≤ 30 g, basically without discomfort;

Adult daily total: recommended ≤ 50 g;

Children and patients with gastrointestinal sensitivity: tolerance is lower, so it is recommended to try a small amount.

The normal dosage in food (usually 3% – 30%) is far lower than the diarrhea causing amount, so it is safe to eat normally.

4. Tolerance will gradually adapt.

Regular consumers’ gut microbiota will gradually adapt and discomfort will be significantly reduced.

III. Not applicable / cautious crowds.

Severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic diarrhea;

Sensitive people who consume sugar alcohol for the first time;

Infants and young children (the gastrointestinal development is not perfect, a small amount is recommended).

IV. To sum up.

Maltitol Syrup is extremely safe and has a wide range of regulations. The only common problem is that excessive may cause slight abdominal distension and diarrhea, which is completely safe under normal food addition.