Lactitol

• BPLactitol Monohydrate
• Ph. Eur.Lactitol Monohydrate
• USP–NFLactitol

Finlac DC; lactit; lactitol monohydrate; lactobiosit; lactositol; Lacty; E966

4-O-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-glucitol · [585-86-4]

UNII L2B0WJF7ZY · PubChem CID 157355

C12H24O11 (anhydrous); C12H24O11·H2O (monohydrate) · 344.31 (anhydrous); 362.34 (monohydrate)

Sweetening agent, Diluent (filler)

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Solid

A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and as a non-cariogenic diluent in tablets (direct-compression grades are available), chewable tablets, lozenges, sugar-free coatings and confectionery. Its sweetness is about 30–40% of that of sucrose, so it is often combined with intense sweeteners. As an active substance it is used as an osmotic laxative.

White, odourless, sweet-tasting crystals or crystalline powder. It exists in anhydrous, monohydrate and dihydrate forms; the monohydrate is the usual pharmaceutical form.

Sweetness

about 0.3–0.4 times that of sucrose

Solubility

very soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol

Hygroscopicity

the monohydrate is practically non-hygroscopic at normal humidity

Energy value

about 2 kcal/g (reduced-calorie)

Stable to heat and over a wide pH range. It is non-reducing, so it does not take part in Maillard browning. Store in a well-closed container in a dry place.

No significant incompatibilities have been reported.

Made by catalytic hydrogenation of lactose in aqueous solution, followed by purification and crystallisation.

Poorly absorbed from the small intestine and fermented in the colon, so large amounts cause flatulence, abdominal discomfort and an osmotic laxative effect. It is non-cariogenic and produces only a small rise in blood glucose.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled; eye protection and a dust mask are recommended.

Accepted as a food additive in Europe (E966); foods containing more than 10% added polyols must carry a laxative-effect warning. Included in non-parenteral medicines licensed in Europe.

Isomalt; lactose; maltitol; mannitol; sorbitol; xylitol.

Lactitol has a clean, sugar-like taste without the cooling effect of xylitol or sorbitol. Although it is made from lactose, it is not a reducing sugar and can be used with amine drugs that are incompatible with lactose.