Mannitol E421 is used as a sweetener in chewing gum, pastries, cereal, and pressed mints. Though it’s considered safe, some are convinced it has potentially dangerous health effects.
What Is Mannitol E421?
Mannitol E421 is a type of sugar alcohol which is also used as a medication. As a sugar, it is often used as a sweetener in diabetic food, as it is poorly absorbed from the intestines. Mannitol is a raw material that acts as an inhibitor and emulsitying agent in many fields. Mannitol is used as a food additive in yogurts, puddings, processed cheeses, baked goods, processed meats, sauces, soups, etc. Mannitol E421 is also used in the medicine industry, that can reduce intracranial pressure, prevent blood pressure from rising, and brain fever.
Possible Side Effects of Mannitol E421
Mannitol E421 is generally considered a safe ingredient. The side effects may:
- Chest discomfort
- cough
- difficult or labored breathing
- dry heaves
- runny nose
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- tightness in the chest
- troubled breathing
- vomiting
- wheezing
GRAS Affirmation: Yes
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) is an American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that a chemical or substance added to food is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements. Mannitol E421 is considered safe by FDA.
Suggested Dosage
NA.
Special Populations Precaution
There is a lot of concern about diet and nutrition for these population, like Newborns, children, pregnant, sensitive to Mannitol E421 populations. Better consult to your doctor if you would like to intake Mannitol E421.
Related Research
1. Food consumption and body weight changes with neotame, a new sweetener with intense taste: differentiating effects of palatability from toxicity in dietary safety studies. [Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003 Oct] Author: Mayhew DA, Comer CP, Stargel WW.
