The positive impact of ERYLITE® Erythritol on oral biofilm
ERYLITE®: Naturally derived through fermentation
Erythritol (brand name ERYLITE®) is a white, crystalline and odourless product widely used in food, beverages and personal care products. It is a natural sweetener approximately 60% as sweet as sugar. It can be considered natural because it occurs in nature and the production process is based on a non-genetically modified yeast fermentation process using plant-based raw materials. Erythritol is a four-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol) with a very low molecular weight (122 g/mol) and is characterised by unique metabolic attributes: most of it is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted in the urine instead of being metabolised. Consequently, it is tolerated very well by the digestive system. Furthermore, it delivers no calories, is non-glycaemic and does not trigger an insulin response.
Incorporating ERYLITE® into oral care products
When added to oral care products, ERYLITE® enhances consumer perception by improving taste.
With regards to oral biofilm formation, polyols are known for their non-cariogenic properties, since they cannot be metabolised by certain unwanted bacteria in the oral cavity. While xylitol has long been a staple in dental hygiene formulations, erythritol’s benefits have gained momentum over the past two decades, particularly as a natural alternative. Due to its small molecular size, erythritol effectively penetrates biofilm. A summary of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating various polyol-biofilm-interactions can be found in our fact sheet - Positive impact of ERYLITE® Erythritol on oral biofilm.
The fact sheet also includes a study comparing the effects of erythritol and xylitol on biofilm growth of Streptococcus mutans in an in vitro model, using realistic exposure times and concentrations. Each polyol underwent two tests. [Figure 1-2]
All experimental scenarios confirmed that both erythritol and xylitol inhibit the growth of S. mutans.
For detailed results from the three different test methods, please refer to the fact sheet. For a visual overview, see the illustration below, which shows a higher proportion of red-stained cells (indicating compromised membranes) in samples treated with polyols compared to the control. [Figure 3-4]
Additionally, ERYLITE® enables the formulation of innovative products with unique cooling effects– such as toothpaste featuring crystals. Our fact sheet - ERYLITE® Erytrithol in oral care highlights a formulation of toothpaste with a high concentration of crystalline erythritol and menthol, resulting in an exceptionally refreshing product with a synergistic cooling effect upon application, all without the need for preservatives.
Erythritol is also beneficial in oral care products for pets. Literature1 monstrates that erythritol offers the same oral health advantages for dogs as it does for humans, and – unlike xylitol – it is non-toxic and safe for use in pet care products2.
Sustainability Commitment at Jungbunzlauer
At Jungbunzlauer, we recognise our responsibility to the environment and strive for a sustainable future. Our commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) aligns with our support for the Paris Agreement goals. Several initiatives contribute to the sustainable production of ERYLITE®.
We source our natural and renewable raw material, glucose, exclusively from non-GMO corn, primarily sourced locally. Upon request, we can provide glucose from farmers committed to sustainable agriculture, verified by the SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA). ERYLITE® is produced through fermentation, with no chemicals used in the recovery or purification processes. Our production methods are optimised to minimise waste. More details on our sustainability efforts can be found in our Sustainability Report.
In summary, ERYLITE® is an excellent ingredient for various oral health products, including mouthwashes, toothpastes, gels and tablets. It not only adds sweetness but also positively influences oral biofilms.
Source reference:
1 M. Shimizu, S. Miyawaki, T. Kuroda, M. Umeta, M. Kawabe, K. Watanabe, Erythritol inhibits the growth of periodontal-disease-associated bacteria isolated from canine oral cavity, Heliyon 2022, 8, e10224. and T. Tochio, R. Makida, T. Fujii, Y. Kadota, M. Takahashi, A. Watanabe, K. Funasaka, Y. Hirooka, A. Yasukawa, K. Kawano, The bacteriostatic effect of erythritol on canine periodontal disease–related bacteria, Pol. J. Vet. Sci. 2022, 25, 75–82.
2 E. K. Dunayer, New findings on the effects of xylitol ingestion in dogs, Vet. Med. 2006, 101, 791–798. and A. K. Eapen, P. de Cock, C. M. Crincoli, C. Means, T. Wismer, C. Pappas, Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of erythritol in Beagle dogs, Food Chem. Toxicol. 2017, 105, 448–455.
