erythritol

American  

[ih-rith-ri-tawl, -tol] / ɪˈrɪθ rɪˌtɔl, -ˌtɒl /

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble, sweet-tasting, tetrahydroxyl compound, C 4 H 10 O 4 , related to the carbohydrates, obtained from certain lichens and used for coronary vasodilation and in the treatment of hypertension.

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erythritol British  

/ ɪˈrɪθrɪˌtɒl /

noun

1. a sweet crystalline compound extracted from certain algae and lichens and used in medicine to dilate the blood vessels of the heart; 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol. Formula: C 4 H 10 O 4

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Etymology

Origin of erythritol

First recorded in 1890–95; erythrite + -ol ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

erythritol

Researchers examined seven sweeteners commonly used in foods and beverages: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and tagatose.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 29, 2026

"Our research demonstrates not only that, but how erythritol has the potential to increase stroke risk."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2026

After their blood was drawn a half hour later, researchers "discovered that people who had the erythritol drink had more than double the risk of developing blood clots than those in the sugar group."

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2024

There are also polyols or sugar alcohols - erythritol particularly has gained traction in recent years.

From BBC ● Dec. 14, 2023

I had a stroke last year, and I had a bag of erythritol in my cupboard thinking it would be a healthy substitute for white sugar!

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 4, 2023

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