Mannitol as a sweetener

Mannitol is a polyhydric alcohol having the formula C6H8(OH)6. The aldehyde group (C=O) of mannose is replaced by a hydroxyl group (OH). Its molecular weight of 182, prepared commercially by the reduction of dextrose.  It is used in chewing gum, pharmaceuticals, and in some foods.

D-mannitol is widespread in nature. It is naturally occurring sweetener in many plants, algae and molds. It occurs in the sap of manna tree, an ash native of southern Italy, and can also be made by the reduction of either of the monosaccharides, mannose or galactose.

It is sparingly soluble in many organic solvents such as ethanol (1.2 g/100 mL) and glycerol (5.5 g/100 mL), and practically insoluble in ether ketones, and hydrocarbons.

Industrially, it is produced by electrochemical reduction or catalytic hydrogenation methods. While it is similar to sorbitol in many respects, it is less soluble than sorbitol.

Mannitol is commonly used as a nutritive sweetener, stabilizer, humectants and bulking agent in foods and supplements.

As sweetener mannitol may be effective in preventing tooth decay, since oral bacterial are unable to form acid from mannitol.
Mannitol as a sweetener