Mannitol is a polyol (polyhydric alcohol) produced from hydrogena- tion from fructose that functions as a sweetener, humectant, and bulking agent. it has low hygroscopicity and poor oil solvency. it has 1.6 kcal/g. it is approximately 22% soluble in water and is approximately 72% as sweet as sugar, exhibiting a cool, sweet taste. it functions as a dusting agent with starch in chewing gum. it is used in sugarless candy, chewing gum, cereal, and pressed mints. Mannitol also known as wood mellow, is a kind of hexahydrin that can be used as a diuretic or sweetener.
