D-mannitol, or Mannitol, is a sugar alcohol with a chemical formula C6H14O6. It is widely used in the food industry and medicine.

Application
1. Medicine
* Diuretic: Mannitol is a common diuretic used to treat kidney failure, brain edema, and glaucoma. * Laxative: sometimes used as an osmotic laxative.
* Drug Delivery: as drug excipients, Mannitol is often used to prepare tablets and injections.
2. Food
* Sweeteners: because Mannitol is low in sweetness and calories, it does not cause tooth decay, so it is often used in foods for people with diabetes and low-calorie eaters.
* Humectant: in candy and baked products, Mannitol can be used as a humectant, extending the shelf life of food.
3. Industry
* Tobacco: Mannitol is used as a moisturizer and flavor enhancer in tobacco.
* Cosmetics: in some cosmetics, Mannitol is used as a moisturizer and stabilizer.

Function

1.Benefits in the medical field

* Diuretics: Mannitol is an effective osmotic diuretic. It helps reduce excess fluid in the body by increasing water excretion from the kidneys. This is very useful in treating conditions such as kidney failure, brain edema, and glaucoma.
* Reduction of intracranial and intraocular pressure: Mannitol can rapidly reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure for emergency treatment of acute cerebral edema and acute glaucoma.
* Pharmaceutical excipients: Mannitol is often used as a diluent and excipient in pharmaceutical preparations to help improve drug stability and taste.
* Intestinal cleansing: Mannitol is sometimes used for intestinal cleansing due to its osmotic properties, especially in preparation for colonoscopy.

2.Food sector benefits

* Sweeteners: Mannitol as a low-calorie sweetener for people with diabetes and those who need to limit their calorie intake. It is about 60% as sweet as sucrose and does not cause significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
* Non-cariogenic: Mannitol is not fermented by bacteria in the oral cavity and, therefore, does not cause dental caries. It is a safe food additive, especially for chewing gum, candy, etc.
* Low glycemic index: Mannitol has a low glycemic index and is suitable for diabetic patients.
* Humectant: In the food industry, Mannitol is used to help maintain the wetness and texture of foods and extend their shelf life.

3.Benefits in industry and other fields

* Moisturizers and stabilizers: in cosmetics, Mannitol acts as a moisturizer and stabilizer, helping to improve the texture and moisturizing effect of the product.
* Cigarette moisturizer: Mannitol is used in the tobacco industry to help keep cigarettes moist and improve their taste.
* Biotechnology: In biotechnology, Mannitol can be used as a carbon source or protective agent as a cell culture medium to help maintain stable cell growth.

Conclusion: Mannitol has many benefits and is widely used in medicine, food, and industry. Its low calorie, glycemic index, and non-cariogenic properties make it a safe and valuable additive. At the same time, its diuretic effect in the medical field and the effect of reducing intracranial and intraocular pressure make it an important therapeutic drug.

Safety

1.Food Safety

* Approved for use: Mannitol is approved as a food additive by many national and regional food safety regulators, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA ).
* Daily intake: Mannitol is considered safe and usually does not require a specific daily intake limit. However, a large intake may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to its laxative effect.

2.Medical safety

* Drug use: Mannitol is used medicinally for diuresis, lowering intracranial pressure and intraocular pressure. It is commonly used in hospitals and clinical settings at a dose and in a manner controlled by medical personnel.
* Adverse reactions: may cause side effects such as water-electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and hypotension, mainly when used in large doses or over a long period. It should be used under the guidance of medical personnel.

Common side effects
* Bloating and diarrhea: A high intake of Mannitol may cause bloating and diarrhea due to its osmotic effect, causing water to enter the intestine.
* Abdominal pain and flatulence: some people are sensitive to Mannitol and may experience increased abdominal pain and flatulence after ingestion.
* Dehydration and electrolyte disorders: Mannitol may cause water and water-electrolyte imbalance in the body when used medically, especially as a diuretic, and electrolyte levels in the blood need to be monitored.
Contraindications and considerations
* Patients with renal insufficiency: Mannitol should be used with caution in patients with renal insufficiency, as its excretion is dependent on renal function and may aggravate the renal burden.
* For patients with heart disease: Mannitol can cause changes in blood volume and electrolytes, so it should be used with care to prevent an increase in the burden on the heart.
* Pregnant and lactating women: Mannitol should be used with caution in pregnant and lactating women and should be used under medical supervision. However, no clear evidence exists that it harms the fetus or infant.

Mannitol is safe in moderate amounts and is widely used in food and medicine. However, high intake may cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and water-electrolyte imbalance. Specific groups such as renal insufficiency, heart disease, and pregnant women should be under the guidance of medical personnel to use caution. Proper dosage control and compliance with professional advice are crucial to ensuring the safe use of Mannitol.