Erythritol is a type of carbohydrate known as a sugar alcohol or polyol, commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener and sugar substitute. It naturally occurs in some fruits (such as melon, watermelon, pears, grapes) and fermented foods like cheese and soy sauce. Commercially, erythritol is produced by fermenting glucose derived from corn or wheat starch using yeast
. It is about 60-70% as sweet as table sugar but contains almost no calories- about 0.24 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram in sugar. Unlike many other sugar alcohols, erythritol is mostly absorbed into the bloodstream and then excreted unchanged in the urine, which reduces digestive side effects like gas and bloating that are common with other sugar alcohols
. Erythritol does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels and does not contribute to tooth decay. It is widely approved for use in foods and beverages in over 60 countries, with regulatory bodies such as the U.S. FDA and the European Food Safety Authority confirming its safety
. However, some recent research has suggested potential associations between erythritol and cardiovascular risks like blood clots, though these findings are still being studied and are not yet conclusive
. In summary, erythritol is a naturally occurring, low-calorie sugar alcohol used as a sweetener that provides sweetness similar to sugar without the calories or blood sugar impact, and it is generally recognized as safe by health authorities worldwide
