Maltitol and chromosome damage in human blood cells in lab tests
What it found
In lab tests on human blood cells, maltitol did not cause one type of DNA swapping but slightly raised other signs of chromosome damage.
The authors say it showed weak potential to harm genes.
What they found
Animal and lab studies
DNA swapping between chromosomes
At all three amounts and both time periods, maltitol did not cause sister chromatid exchange. This is a type of DNA swapping between matching chromosome parts.
Chromosome shape changes
Maltitol caused some chromosome aberrations in the human blood cells. However, this rise was not statistically significant.
Small extra chromosome pieces
The frequency of micronuclei rose at 24 and 48 hours in the treated human cells. These are tiny extra pieces formed during cell division. The rise did not get larger with higher doses.
Cell division rates
Maltitol did not slow down cell division in the human blood cells. It also did not change the acidity or salt balance of the liquid the cells grew in.
What the authors conclude
- They conclude that maltitol has a weak potential to damage genes in human blood cells tested in the lab.
- They also state that it does not appear to kill or poison these cells.
How it was done
Maltitol is a low-calorie sweetener used in foods. The researchers wanted to check whether it damages chromosomes or harms cell division in human blood cells.
Scientists tested maltitol on human white blood cells in the lab. They used three amounts (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL) over two time periods (24 and 48 hours). They looked for signs of chromosome damage and changes in how cells divide.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- These are lab tests on isolated human blood cells, not a study of people eating maltitol.
- Scientists do not yet know if eating maltitol causes similar effects inside the body.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Cukurova University, Turkey
The paper
- Title
- The cytogenetic effects of food sweetener maltitol in human peripheral lymphocytes
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Animals and lab studies
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Canimoğlu S, Rencüzoğullari E (2006). The cytogenetic effects of food sweetener maltitol in human peripheral lymphocytes. Drug and chemical toxicology. doi:10.1080/01480540600651600PubMed 16777705DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error