Chemistry

Molecular formula: C4H10O4

Molecular weight: 122.12

Erythritol has water solubility of about 0.6 g per mL in water at room temperature.

Safety

Erythritol cannot be utilized by bacteria in the mouth, so it does not contribute to tooth decay.

Erythritol has been used in Japan since 1990 and has had GRAS status in the USA since 1996. It received full approval from the European Union in 2008.

Storey et al. reported that a 50 g dose produced some rumbling (borborygmus), but no diarrhea. [Storey, D.; Lee, A.; Bornet, F.; Brouns, F. Gastrointestinal tolerance of erythritol and xylitol ingested in a liquid. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 61:349-354 (2007)]