Erythritol: Risks, Side Effects, and Digestive Issues

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol similar to xylitol. Just like other sugar alcohols, erythritol is known to cause problems with the digestive tract. Although not particularly dangerous, over-consumption of erythritol can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms. Usually found mixed in foods, it is difficult for consumers to purchase erythritol as a sweetener for use in beverages and cooking.

What is Erythritol

• Erythritol is a sugar alcohol. It is made during a fermentation process, then it is purified.

What Foods Contain Erythritol

• Sugar-free gum, diet foods, low-carb foods, food items for diabetics and stevia sweeteners contain erythritol.

Health Issues with Erythritol

• Although a sugar alcohol, it has fewer instances of the unpleasant side effects. Most of the health issues with erythritol involve bloating, gas and borborygmi. The latter is the medical term for rumbling sounds in the intestinal tract.

Who Should Avoid Erythritol?

• Persons suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive issues should avoid using products containing erythritol. It is possible erythritol can aggravate symptoms in these individuals or cause further problems.

Children and Erythritol

• Children are the largest consumers of erythritol. Many teens and young children chew gum on a daily basis. If a child complains of stomach problems after chewing gum, erythritol might be the culprit.