Erythorbic Acid vs Monk Fruit Extract: which is worse?

What is Erythorbic Acid?

Erythorbic acid is a stereoisomer of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) produced by fermentation of sucrose. While it has similar antioxidant properties to vitamin C, it has very little vitamin C activity (approximately 5%). It is primarily used in meat curing to accelerate the conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide, thereby speeding up the development of the characteristic pink color in cured meats.

What is Monk Fruit Extract?

Monk fruit extract is derived from the fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii, a melon native to southern China. Its sweetness (150–250 times that of sucrose) comes from mogrosides, particularly mogroside V, rather than simple sugars. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The FDA granted GRAS status in 2010.

Documented risks

Erythorbic Acid: Erythorbic acid is generally recognized as safe. It is not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic. At very high doses in animal studies, no toxicity was observed. It is metabolized similarly to ascorbic acid. When used alongside nitrites in cured meats, it serves the beneficial function of reducing nitrosamine formation, potentially making cured meats somewhat safer. No significant adverse effects have been documented at food use levels.

Monk Fruit Extract: Currently considered safe with no significant adverse effects reported in human studies. Animal studies have shown mogrosides to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possible anti-diabetic properties. No carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity has been identified. Due to its relatively recent introduction as a food additive in Western markets, long-term human safety data are more limited compared to older sweeteners. Overall, the safety profile is favorable.