October 13, 2017 Information update: Mannitol and pregnancy Health Canada is aware of recent concerns around the use of mannitol as a non-medicinal ingredient in medications for use by pregnant women. Health Canada would like to reassure Canadians that, based on its evaluation of the evidence available to date, consumption of small quantities of sugar substitutes, including mannitol, during pregnancy does not pose a health risk. Mannitol is a type of sugar commonly used as a non-medicinal ingredient in medications, such as tablets or capsules, to help in the manufacture of the product. Non-medicinal ingredients are evaluated for safety. They are used, for example, to help hold a tablet together or give it colour. Mannitol has a long history of safe consumption in many products commonly used and consumed by pregnant women, including folic acid supplements, vitamins, candy and baked goods. Mannitol also occurs naturally in many foods, including cauliflower, mushrooms, snow peas, and peaches.