Maltitol is found to be enzymatically hydrolyzed by the small intestinal mucosa of man, rat, and rabbit and metabolized by everted sacs of rabbit intestine at a moderate rate. On in vivo perfusion of maltitol (15.3 µmol/min) through the small intestine, 19% of the sugar alcohol is digested by gnotobiotic rats. 120 min after stomach intubation of gnotobiotic rats, only 31% of the ingested maltitol is found in the ileum. A daily application of 35 g maltitol to 4 human beings does not influence the parameters of well-being, compatibility and fecal state. It is concluded that maltitol will be digested and utilized by man, rat, and rabbit