Mannitol with E number 421 is a tooth-friendly, white powder that sweetens a little over half as much (60%) as regular sugar. Mannitol does not form acid when broken down by bacteria in the mouth and therefore does not damage the teeth. The substance is found naturally in the sap of the Manna ash tree (Fraxinus ornus). There are also microorganisms, such as Lactococcus lactis, that are programmed to convert sugar to mannitol. Industrially, mannitol is produced by a chemical reduction of sugar, e.g. fructose.
Large amounts (>20 g) ingested at once can cause diarrhea. The content of mannitol in Pharna Nord's preparations does not come close to this amount.
Pharma Nord uses mannitol to improve the taste and in some cases as a stabilizer. There is no legal limit on how much mannitol can be consumed, but products containing more than 10% mannitol must warn that it may have a laxative effect. However, such a warning is not applicable to Pharma Nord's products.
Pharma Nord's mannitol is produced from corn and/or wheat.
Mannitol occurs naturally in a wide range of fruits such as blackberries, prunes, apricots, plums and cherries. It has a role as a pharmaceutical excipient in medicinal preparations. In addition, the substance is added as a sweetener in a number of diet products.
