Mannitol

Mannitol is a six-carbon sugar alcohol occurring naturally in a range of plants and produced commercially by hydrogenation. It is about half as sweet as sucrose and is distinguished among the polyols by being only very slightly hygroscopic, which makes it valuable where a non-sticky, moisture-stable surface matters — dusting chewing gum, for example, and direct-compression tabletting. It also gives a pronounced cooling sensation as it dissolves, from its negative heat of solution. It is not fully absorbed, so it contributes fewer calories than sugar, and excessive intake has a laxative effect that is subject to labelling rules in some markets.