Empirical facts about Erythritol’s effects on whole body systems: A systematic Review

Background: There is an important public health message concerning obesity, diabetes, and the reduction of sugar consumption. Erythritol seems like the sweetener of choice but contrasting evidence exists so there is therefore a pertinent need to establish rigorous facts to ensure Erythritol ‘dosage’ is correct and to improve the nation’s health. Objectives: To plot the landscape by assessing all robust research to discover ‘safe erythritol use’, ‘acceptable’ side effects, and most importantly the whole ‘body systems’ impact and interactions. Also, to establish whether 25g/day could be safely doubled, maximum laxative thresholds, and unique Erythritol characteristics. Methods: All knowledge type/outcomes and grey data were eligible and reported according to ‘body system’s using EQUATOR and PRISMA guidelines. Bias was kept to a minimum via BEME rigor checklists. Results: 256 papers were included in the review. ‘Safe use’ Erythritol amounts and maximum thresholds were established. No disadvantages of Erythritol were found providing thresholds were not exceeded. Erythritol has unique properties which produced important new findings: Erythritol is metabolised differently for ‘Diabetic versus non-diabetic’, and ‘Early-stage versus late-stage diabetic’; In the ‘obese versus lean’; and if taken within ‘Solids versus liquids’. Conclusions: New knowledge on safe Erythritol ‘dosage’, maximally effective period, and body systems were gained which affect and inform the nation’s weight and health choices.