Мезо-эритрит

Химические свойства

Erythritol (meso-erythritol, meso-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroxybutan) has been known for a long time. Its potential use as a bulk sweetener was, however, recognized rather late.
Erythritol is a natural constituent of several foods and beverages in levels sometimes exceeding 1 g/kg. Its solubility in water is approximately 370 g/L at room temperature and increases with increasing temperature. Erythritol melts at 121 C and is stable up to more than 160 C and in a pH range from 2 to 10. Depending on the concentration used, erythritol is approximately 60 % as sweet as sucrose. It is noncariogenic and not metabolized in the human body which means that it is more or less calorie-free.
In the European Union, erythritol is approved as E 968 for a large number of food applications. It is GRAS in the United States and also approved in many other countries.

Использование

Erythritol is a sweetener (polyol) manufactured by fermentation of glucose, the glucose-rich substrate being obtained by the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch. it is 60–70% as sweet as sugar, has excellent heat and acid stability, a high digestive tolerance, and a caloric value of 0.2 kcal/g. it is the only polyol produced by fermentation. it can be used as a sugar replacement in confectioneries, beverages, and desserts.

Методы производства

Erythritol is a starch-derived product. The starch is enzymatically hydrolyzed into glucose which is turned into erythritol via a fermentation process, using osmophilic yeasts or fungi (e.g. Moniliella pollinis, or Trichosporonoides megachiliensis).

Определение

ChEBI: The meso-diastereomer of butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol.

Общее описание

meso-Erythritol, belonging to the class of sugar alcohols, is identified in a variety of food products, fruits, vegetables, beverages and dietary supplements. It is known as a low glycemic food additive and plays an important role as a sweetener for diabetic patients, since it does not have glycemic or insulinemic effect due to its ability to not get metabolized but get absorbed in the small intestine. It is also reportedly used as a sugar substitute in toothpaste, chewing gums, confectionery food products, etc.

Фармацевтические приложения

Erythritol is a naturally occurring noncariogenic excipient used in a variety of pharmaceutical preparations, including in solid dosage forms as a tablet filler, and in coatings. It has also been investigated for use in dry powder inhalers.It is also used in sugar-free lozenges,and medicated chewing gum.
Erythritol can also be used as a diluent in wet granulation in combination with moisture-sensitive drugs. In buccal applications, such as medicated chewing gums, it is used because of its high negative heat of solution which provides a strong cooling effect.
Erythritol is also used as a noncaloric sweetener in syrups; it is used to provide sensorial profile-modifying properties with intense sweeteners; and it is also used to mask unwanted aftertastes.
Erythritol is also used as a noncariogenic sweetener in toothpastes and mouthwash solutions.

Безопасность

Erythritol is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations, confectionery, and food products. It is generally regarded as a nontoxic, nonallergenic, and nonirritant material. However, there has been a case report of urticaria caused by erythritol.
The low molecular weight of erythritol allows more than 90% of the ingested molecules to be rapidly absorbed from the small intestine; it is not metabolized and is excreted unchanged in the urine. Erythritol has a low caloric value (0.8 kJ/g). The WHO has set an acceptable daily intake of ‘not specified’ for erythritol.
Erythritol is noncariogenic; preliminary studies suggest that it may inhibit the formation of dental plaque.
In general, erythritol is well-tolerated; furthermore, excessive consumption does not cause laxative effects. There is no significant increase in the blood glucose level after oral intake, and glycemic response is very low, making erythritol suitable for diabetics.
LD50 (mouse, IP): 8–9 g/kg
LD50 (rat, IV): 6.6 g/kg
LD50 (rat, oral): >13 g/kg

хранилище

Erythritol has very good thermal and chemical stability. It is nonhygroscopic, and at 25°C does not significantly absorb additional water up to a relative humidity (RH) of more than 80%. Erythritol resists decomposition both in acidic and alkaline media and remains stable for prolonged periods at pH 2–10.(10) When stored for up to 4 years in ambient conditions (20°C, 50% RH) erythritol has been shown to be stable.

Методы очистки

meso-Erythritol crystallises from distilled water or absolute EtOH and is dried at 60o in a vacuum oven. It sublimes at 110o in a high vacuum. It is optically inactive. [Jeans & Hudson J Org Chem 20 1565 1955, IR: Kuhn Anal Chem 22 276 1950, Beilstein 1 IV 2807.]

Несовместимости

Erythritol is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases.

Регуляторный статус

GRAS listed. Accepted for use as a food additive in Europe.