Lactitol

Studies in people

• Concern

  Diarrhea from sugar substitutes²

  In people, eating lactitol caused diarrhea, and adding fiber called PHGG to it reduced that diarrhea.

• Benefit

  Gut bacteria balance³

  In people, eating lactitol raised helpful gut bacteria and changed stool acids, with few stomach complaints.

• Benefit

  Gut bacteria in older people⁴

  In older people, lactitol with a probiotic raised helpful gut bacteria during the two weeks they took it.

• Concern

  Tummy upset from sweeteners⁵

  In people, lactitol caused loose stools once the amount eaten got large enough.

• Benefit

  Gut bacteria in older adults⁶

  In older people, lactitol with a probiotic raised helpful gut bacteria and made stools more frequent.

Animal and lab studies only

• Concern

  cell division slowdown⁷

  In lab studies, lactitol did not damage DNA, but it slowed how often cells divided.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.