Typical dose
As a sweetener/excipient: varies by formulation....
Rating
0.0/5
Oral & topical
Oral safety: low
Skin safety: harmless
About this supplement
Mannitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) derived from mannose, commonly used as a pharmaceutical excipient, sweetener, bulking agent, and osmotic diuretic. It occurs naturally in small amounts in various plants, fungi, and algae, but commercial production is primarily synthetic via hydrogenation of fructose/glucose mixtures. In supplements and beauty products, it serves as a low-calorie sweetener, tablet filler, stabilizer, and humectant. As an osmotic agent, it can draw water into the intestines or renal tubules. It is poorly absorbed in the small intestine and largely excreted unchanged, contributing minimal calories.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- As a sweetener/excipient: varies by formulation. As an osmotic agent (medical): 50-200 g IV or 10-20 g oral for specific indications. Supplement use not standardized.
- Suggested range
- Not established for general supplementation. In foods, typical use levels are 1-10%.
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Mannitol
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
Technical details â–¼
Chemical ID (CAS)
69-65-8
Physical properties
White, crystalline powder or free-flowing granules. Odorless, sweet taste (approx. 50-70% sweetness of sucrose). Highly soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol. Stable, non-hygroscopic (does not absorb moisture readily). Melting point: 166-168°C.
How it’s made
Primarily produced industrially by catalytic hydrogenation of fructose (from corn syrup or inulin) or glucose/fructose mixtures using nickel catalyst. Can also be extracted from seaweed (less common). Purified via crystallization.