Embryotoxicity and Teratogenicity Studies with Lactitol in Rats

The embryotoxicity/teratogenicity of lactitol, a polyol sugar substitute, was examined in Wistar-derived Cpb:WU rats. Lactitol was fed at dietary concentrations of 0, 2, 5, and 10% to groups of 25 female rats which were pretreated in utero and subsequently received lactitol after birth, for 15 weeks prior to mating and from day 0 to 21 of pregnancy. The treatment was generally well tolerated; however, body weights of the 10% lactitol group were lower during the premating period and subsequently during pregnancy. Weight gain during gestation, food consumption, and food efficiency was similar in all groups. Reproductive performance was not affected by the treatment and examination of the fetuses for visceral and skeletal alterations did not reveal any embryotoxic or teratogenic effects. A slight yet significant increase in the number of supernumerary lumbar ribs in the 10% lactitol group was associated with an incomplete ossification of thoracic vertebral bodies. These changes, as well as the lower maternal...