Lactitol Monohydrate Powder
Lactitol monohydrate ≥98% purity is a sugar alcohol derived from lactose that serves as a low-calorie sweetener and proven laxative for constipation relief.
Lactitol monohydrate ≥98% purity is a sugar alcohol (polyol) derived from lactose through catalytic hydrogenation. This white crystalline powder serves as a low-calorie sweetener (2.0-2.4 kcal/g vs 4 kcal/g for sugar) with proven therapeutic benefits for digestive health.
| Benefit |
Typical study dose* |
Key human findings |
High-quality sources |
| 1 Bowel function improvement |
10-40 g/day for 2-4 weeks |
Meta-analysis (n=663) showed increased weekly stool frequency and softened stools; EU authorized claim at 10 g/day |
PubMed/EFSA |
| 2 Glycemic control |
25 g single dose |
Minimal glucose/insulin rise (glycemic index ≈0 vs glucose=100); recognized for reducing post-prandial glycemic responses |
EFSA Journal |
| 3 Dental health |
As sugar replacement |
Does not promote dental caries; helps maintain tooth mineralization when replacing sugars |
FDA/EFSA |
| 4 Prebiotic effects |
10-20 g/day for 2 weeks |
Increases Bifidobacterium levels and improves symptoms in constipated adults |
PubMed |
*EU supplement claim requires 10 g lactitol once daily for bowel function benefit. Medical use (Pizensy®) typically 20 g daily.
Mechanistic highlights
- Osmotic action: Lactitol is poorly absorbed in the small intestine, creating an osmotic effect that draws water into the bowel lumen, softening stool and promoting regular bowel movements.
- Colonic fermentation: Gut bacteria ferment unabsorbed lactitol into short-chain fatty acids, lowering colonic pH and stimulating peristalsis while supporting beneficial microbiota.
- Minimal systemic absorption: Only 0.5-2% of oral lactitol is absorbed unchanged, resulting in negligible impact on blood glucose and insulin levels (ideal for diabetics).
- Non-cariogenic properties: Oral bacteria cannot effectively metabolize lactitol into cavity-causing acids, making it safe for dental health.
Safety & practical use
- Usual supplemental range: 10-20 g once daily for constipation relief; adjust based on stool consistency
- Upper-dose tolerance: Doses >20-30 g may cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea; products with >10% polyols require laxative effect warning in EU
- Drug interactions: Separate from oral medications by ≥2 hours to avoid absorption interference
- FODMAP consideration: Lactitol is a high-FODMAP polyol; may trigger IBS symptoms in sensitive individuals
- Contraindications: Avoid in galactosemia, GI obstruction; safety in pregnancy not established
- Sweetness profile: Approximately 35-40% as sweet as sucrose; heat-stable for cooking/baking
- Storage: Store in cool, dry place; hygroscopic nature requires moisture-proof packaging
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