Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
5.10.3.
Lactosucrose
The minimum effective dose of lactosucrose is 5 g/day for an adult.
When it is taken in large amounts, lactosucrose may cause a rise in gastro-
intestinal osmotic pressure and induce diarrhoea. Its maximum no-effect dose
is 0.6 g/kg bodyweight. An optimum dose is considered to be between 5 and
36 g/day for an adult human (Oku and Tsuji, unpublished).
5.10.4.
Lactitol
The European Community listed lactitol as a permitted sweetener
(E 966) (EC Directive 96/83/EC) and the USA FDA has accepted lactitol
for
GRAS
listing.
Lactitol
is
approved
as
a
sweetener
in
over
30
countries.
Lactitol was last evaluated in 1983 by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert
Committee on Food Additives. A range of short- and long-term studies on
its absorption, distribution and excretion in biochemical studies and in ani-
mal models were examined. Toxicological studies were examined including
studies on carcinogenicity, dermal irritation, eye irritation, mutagenicity,
reproduction and teratogenocity (for details, see JECFA, 2008; Inchem,
2008). In humans, lactitol at 24 g/day orally is tolerated well by healthy and
diabetic persons. It does not alter blood glucose level. Higher doses (50 g/day)
cause diarrhoea. It was concluded that lactitol has only a very low general
toxicity following large doses. The Expert Committee did not believe that
lactitol at the normal levels of intake likely to be experienced presented a
hazard to health. No acceptable daily intake for man (ADI) was specified by
the committee, and the establishment of a numerical figure was not deemed
necessary.
A biodegradability test based on dissolved organic carbon showed
complete degradation within 5 days.
5.10.5.
Lactobionic Acid
The regulatory status in the food industry is limited. It is approved
as a food additive in the form of its calcium salt. Its use is as a firming
agent in dry pudding mixes [Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Vol.
3 (21CFR 172.5), US Food and Drug Administration]. However, it has
many non-food uses, such as in detergents, chelating agents and in
cosmetics. It also is accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration
as
an
inactive
ingredient
for
medical
use
in
organ
transplantation
solutions.
