E967 Xylitol – Food Additive Explained
E967 is the EU food additive code for xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol used as a sweetener with tooth-protective properties and a low glycaemic index.
Things worth knowing about "E967"
E967 is the EU food additive code for xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol used as a sweetener with tooth-protective properties and a low glycaemic index.
What is E967 (Xylitol)?
E967 is the official EU designation for xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol (polyol) found in small amounts in various fruits, vegetables, and tree bark – most notably birch wood. Industrially, xylitol is primarily produced from hemicellulose fibres, often sourced from birch wood chips or corn cob residues.
Xylitol has a sweetness comparable to regular table sugar (sucrose) but provides approximately 2.4 kcal per gram, significantly fewer calories than sugar at 4 kcal per gram. In the food industry, E967 is used as a sweetener, humectant, and flavour carrier.
Uses in Food and Consumer Products
E967 is commonly found in the following products:
- Sugar-free chewing gums and sweets
- Oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash
- Dietary and diabetic-friendly foods
- Baked goods and desserts for low-calorie diets
- Nasal sprays and nasal rinse solutions
Mechanism of Action and Health Properties
Low Glycaemic Index
Xylitol has a glycaemic index (GI) of approximately 7–13, compared to 65–70 for table sugar. This means that E967 causes only minimal increases in blood glucose and insulin levels. For this reason, xylitol is considered a suitable sugar alternative for people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance – though its use should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Dental Health and Caries Prevention
One of the most well-recognised benefits of xylitol is its caries-protective effect. The bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which plays a key role in tooth decay, cannot metabolise xylitol. As a result, the formation of dental plaque and acid that erodes tooth enamel is inhibited. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that xylitol contributes to the maintenance of tooth mineralisation when consumed in chewing gum.
Effects on the Gut Microbiome
Sugar alcohols like xylitol are only slowly and partially absorbed in the small intestine. In the large intestine, they serve as a substrate for gut bacteria. When consumed in moderate amounts, xylitol may have prebiotic properties. However, excessive consumption can lead to an osmotic effect, resulting in bloating, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps.
Safety and Tolerability
Xylitol is considered a safe food additive by the European Union when consumed in typical quantities. It is approved in the EU under the code E967 with no established ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake), meaning that no safety concerns are expected at normal levels of use.
Important warning: Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause life-threatening hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure in dogs. Products containing E967 must therefore be kept well out of reach of dogs at all times.
In humans, excessive consumption (generally more than 40–50 g per day) may cause:
- Bloating and flatulence
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramps
Regulatory Status in the EU
In the European Union, E967 is authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. It is classified as both a sweetener and a humectant. Products containing xylitol must declare it on the ingredient list as either E967 or xylitol. If the content exceeds 10%, the label must also carry the warning: excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to xylitol and maintenance of tooth mineralisation. EFSA Journal, 2011.
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
- Mäkinen KK: Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol. International Journal of Dentistry, 2016.
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