Lactitol

Lactitol
IUPAC name	4-O-α-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-glucitol
Other names	Lactitol Lacty
Identifiers
CAS number	585-86-4
SMILES	OC[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@]([C@H](O)CO)([H])O [C@H]1O[C@H](CO)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H]1O
Properties
Molecular formula	C12H24O11
Molar mass	344.31 g/mol
Density	? g/cm3
Melting point	146 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Lactitol is a sugar alcohol used as a replacement bulk sweetener for low calorie foods with approximately 40% of the sweetness of sugar. Lactitol is produced by two manufacturers, Danisco and Purac Biochem.

Applications

Lactitol is used in a variety of low food energy or low fat foods. High stability makes it popular for baking. It is used in sugar-free candies, cookies (biscuits), chocolate, and ice cream. Lactitol also promotes colon health as a prebiotic. Lactitol only has 2.4 Calories (9 kilojoules) per gram, compared to 4 Calories (17 kJ) per gram for typical carbohydrates.

Lactitol is listed as an "inactive" ingredient in some prescription drugs, such as Adderall, or amphetamine.[1]

Safety and health

Lactitol, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and maltitol are all sugar alcohols. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies sugar alcohols as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). They are approved as food additives, and are recognized as not contributing to tooth decay or causing increases in blood glucose. Lactitol is also approved for use in foods in most countries around the world.

Although endorsed by numerous diet and diabetic websites, Lactitol can cause cramping, flatulence, and diarrhoea in some individuals. This may be in part because "Lactitol is manufactured from whey, the lactose (milk sugar) rich by-product of cheese making and processed dairy foods" and people can be lactose intolerant. Those with other health conditions should consult their GP or dietician prior to consumption.

Lactitol is animal based and are therefore not suitable for vegans.

References

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September 2007)

"Lactitol is manufactured from whey, the lactose (milk sugar) rich by-product of cheese making and processed dairy foods."