Organic Erythritol: The Polyol Sweetener with a Glycemic Index of 0

Erythritol is a polyol naturally found in fruits (pear, melon, grape), wine, and some mushrooms. With 0 calories and a glycemic index of 0, it is one of the most well-tolerated natural sweeteners. The organic version is obtained by fermentation from organic corn or tapioca glucose.

Nutritional Characteristics

Criterion	Value
Sweetening power	~70% of sugar
Calories per gram	0 kcal/g (sugar = 4 kcal/g)
Glycemic index	0 (sugar = 65)
Insulin index	0 (sugar = 100+)
Digestive tolerance	Excellent (90% absorbed then excreted)

Why erythritol has no calories

Unlike sugar which is metabolized (4 kcal/g), erythritol is:

1. 90% absorbed in the small intestine
2. Not metabolized by the liver or other organs
3. Excreted unchanged in urine

Consequence: no insulin spike, no activation of NF-kB by post-glycemic ROS.

Comparison with other sweeteners

• Erythritol: 0 cal, GI=0, 0 effect on insulin. Natural.
• Stevia: 0 cal, GI=0. Natural but with an aftertaste.
• Sorbitol/Maltitol: 2-3 cal/g, marked laxative effect.
• Xylitol: 2.4 cal/g, GI=7. Toxic for dogs.
• Aspartame: 0 cal but artificial, controversial for the microbiome.
• Sucralose: 0 cal but artificial.
• Agave syrup: 3 cal/g, low GI but 90% fructose → AGEs and fatty liver.
• Cane sugar: 4 cal/g, GI=65, insulin spike.

Erythritol safety

Approved by EFSA (E968) and FDA. Very well tolerated. Much better than sorbitol/maltitol for intestinal health. No cariogenic effect (Streptococcus mutans does not metabolize it).

Note: In 2023, an observational study suggested a correlation between erythritol and major cardiovascular events. This study has been criticized for confounding factors (subjects were already diabetic with cardiovascular issues). No causal relationship has been proven. EFSA and FDA authorities maintain approval.

Organic Erythritol in INTI

INTI uses organic erythritol (obtained by fermentation of organic corn or tapioca glucose) as a sweetener. This allows INTI to have a pleasant and slightly sweet taste without any of the drawbacks of sugar.