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Mannitol
Also known as: D-mannitol, manna sugar, Osmitrol
Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used primarily as an osmotic laxative and sweetening agent in supplements. It has minimal systemic absorption and is primarily used for gastrointestinal applications rather than performance or health enhancement.
Primary uses
- Osmotic laxative/digestive support
- Sweetening agent in supplement formulations
- Bulking agent
How it works
- Osmotic effect in the digestive tract drawing water into the intestinal lumen
- Non-digestible carbohydrate that resists colonic absorption
Dosage
- Typical range
- 5-20 grams daily
- Timing
- Can be taken once or divided into multiple doses; typically morning or as needed
- With food
- May be taken with or without food; effects are gastrointestinal
- Duration
- Safe for short-term or occasional use; long-term daily use should be monitored
- Special populations
- Use with caution in individuals with fructose intolerance or FODMAP sensitivity; contraindicated in bowel obstruction
Forms
- Powder· 70/100
- Tablet· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Bloating
- Gas
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea (dose-dependent)
Contraindications
- Intestinal obstruction
- Fructose intolerance
- Severe renal impairment
- Undiagnosed abdominal pain
Evidence notes
Mannitol is a well-established osmotic laxative with decades of clinical use and safety data. Evidence for efficacy as a digestive aid is good. Grade B reflects established clinical utility, though it is not typically researched for nootropic or performance benefits.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
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