International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 966
Food additives Europe numbers: E966
Lactitol is a type of sugar alcohol used as a laxative and dietary supplement. It is a disaccharide derived from lactose, the sugar found in milk. Lactitol helps to increase stool volume, soften stools, and stimulate bowel movements. It is commonly used for the treatment of constipation, as well as for people with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, and other intestinal disorders. Lactitol is also used in some sugar-free products to provide sweetness without the calories found in sugar.
Lactitol itself isn't a commonly used medication, but it's a type of sugar alcohol derived from lactose (milk sugar) that has some interesting properties. Here's a breakdown of what lactitol is and its main application:
1. Laxative Effect:
- Lactitol functions similarly to lactitol monohydrate, which is a more commonly used form [1, 2]. It acts as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestines to soften stool and promote bowel movements [1].
Mechanism as a Laxative:
- Lactitol isn't fully absorbed in the small intestine. It reaches the colon where bacteria ferment it, creating small molecules that attract water into the colon [2]. This increased water content softens stool and eases its passage.
2. Sweetener (Less Common):
- Lactitol can also be used as a sugar alcohol sweetener, but lactitol monohydrate is the more common form for this purpose [3]. Lactitol has about 40% of the sweetness of sugar but with significantly fewer calories [2].
Things to Consider:
- Limited Availability: Lactitol itself may not be as widely available as lactitol monohydrate, which is the form more commonly used in laxatives and sweeteners [1].
Similarities with Lactitol Monohydrate:
- Lactitol and lactitol monohydrate share similar properties and effects. They both act as osmotic laxatives and have potential use as sugar substitutes [1, 2].
Differences with Lactitol Monohydrate:
- Lactitol monohydrate is a dehydrated form of lactitol, meaning it has some water molecules removed [4]. This may affect how quickly it works as a laxative or its sweetness intensity compared to lactitol.