Oral Erythritol Reduces Energy Intake during a Subsequent ad libitum Test Meal: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial in Healthy Humans

Abstract

The impact of oral erythritol on subsequent energy intake is unknown. The aim was to assess the effect of oral erythritol compared to sucrose, sucralose, or tap water on energy intake during a subsequent ad libitum test meal and to examine the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) in response to these substances. In this randomized, crossover trial, 20 healthy volunteers received 50 g erythritol, 33.5 g sucrose, or 0.0558 g sucralose dissolved in tap water, or tap water as an oral preload in four different sessions. Fifteen minutes later, a test meal was served and energy intake was assessed. At set time points, blood samples were collected to quantify CCK concentrations. The energy intake (ad libitum test meal) was significantly lower after erythritol compared to sucrose, sucralose, or tap water (p < 0.05). Before the start of the ad libitum test meal, erythritol led to a significant increase in CCK compared to sucrose, sucralose, or tap water (p < 0.001). Oral erythritol given alone induced the release of CCK before the start of the ad libitum test meal and reduced subsequent energy intake compared to sucrose, sucralose, or tap water. These properties make erythritol a useful sugar alternative.

Metabolic Effects of Selected Conventional and Alternative Sweeteners: A Narrative Review

“…Similar results have been observed for erythritol. Acute intragastric or oral administration of varying doses (10 to 75 g in 300 mL water) of erythritol induced the secretion of GLP-1, CCK, and PYY, but not GIP [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Teysseire et al [ 39 ] found a decrease in plasma ghrelin concentrations in response to an intragastric administration of 50 g of erythritol in 300 mL water, compared to D-allulose and water, in healthy, normal-weight individuals.…”

“…In a study by Teysseire et al [ 37 ], the administration of a pure oral erythritol (50 g in 300 mL water) preload translated into a reduction in subsequent energy intake during an ad libitum test meal, but also into a reduction in total energy intake, compared to other preloads containing sucrose (33.5 g), sucralose (55.8 mg), or water in healthy, normal-weight individuals.…”

“…Several acute studies conducted with healthy, normal-weight participants and participants with obesity did not find increased glucose or insulin concentrations in response to various doses (10–75 g in 250–300 mL water, or as solid snack) of erythritol administered either orally or intragastrically [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 39 , 76 , 77 ]. Finally, a chronic administration of erythritol (36 g/day) for five weeks had no effect on blood glucose and insulin concentrations during an OGTT, or on insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in healthy participants with obesity [ 75 ].…”

Erythritol: Evaluation of its Potential Therapeutic Applications and Discussion on Safety Issues - A Review

“…Although the effects of erythritol on gut hormone secretion and gastric emptying remain inconclusive [19], certain studies have indicated that erythritol may elicit different responses compared to other sweeteners such as xylitol [20]. In a randomized, controlled crossover trial, erythritol was found to reduce energy intake during a subsequent ad libitum test meal in healthy participants [21]. Furthermore, erythritol and xylitol have been reported to differentially impact brain networks involved in appetite regulation, potentially suggesting distinct mechanisms underlying their effects on satiety [22].…”

Visualized sensing of erythritol using a simple enzyme-free catechol-based hydrogel film

“…2,6,7 Many specic experiments have proved that erythritol is a safe food additive without toxicity, carcinogenicity and chromosomal damage. [8][9][10][11] Erythritol has gradually become attractive to assist people with obesity and diabetes with weight management and blood glucose control. However, the price of low-calorie sweeteners is much higher than that of traditional sugars due to the market share and production cost.…”