Functional Category

Sweetening agent; tablet and capsule diluent; taste-masking agent.

Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation or Technology

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. Erythritol can also be used as a diluent in wet granulation in

combination with moisture-sensitive drugs. In buccal applications, such as medicated chewing gums, it is used because of its high negative heat of solution which provides a strong cooling effect. Erythritol is also used as a noncaloric sweetener in syrups; it is used to provide sensorial profile-modifying properties with intense sweeteners; and it is also used to mask unwanted aftertastes.Erythritol is also used as a noncariogenic sweetener in toothpastes and mouthwash solutions.

Description

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) that occurs as a white or almost white powder or granular or crystalline substance. It is pleasant tasting with a mild sweetness approximately 60–70% that of sucrose. It also has a high negative heat of solution that provides a strong cooling effect.