Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol which is about 60% as sweet as sugar. This is used as sweetener in some diabetic products, diet drinks, and gums. It is also used in non-food purposes, including in toothpaste, soap, and cosmetics.
Sorbitol Side Effects
No matter how useful sorbitol is, there are also certain side effects that it can induce in the human’s body.
- Sorbitol has a laxative effect. In fact, it is used as a laxative medication; thus, it is expected that one of its side effects is diarrhea. Sometimes it can even cause severe diarrhea, especially when consumed in large quantities.
- It can also cause nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and rectal bleeding.
- Some users have also complained stomach pain after sorbitol intake.
- In people sensitive to sorbitol, both diarrhea and vomiting could happen.
- Sorbitol could also affect the frequency of urination, either increasing or decreasing the frequency.
What is Sorbitol
- Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol.
- It is approximately 60% as sweet as sugar and is used as sweetener in certain food items.
- It is utilized and absorbed slowly by the body so that it is a good option for diabetic patients as it will not cause a sudden surge of blood sugar levels.
Sorbitol Dangers
- In large quantities or continued use, sorbitol can actually cause cramps and stomach ache.
- Not only that, prolonged use can also cause severe diarrhea, bloating, and dry mouth.
- It can also cause edema, dehydration, and seizures.
- What more, sorbitol has also been reported to cause excessive thirst and breathing difficulties.
- Sometimes, sorbitol could also cause the user to have black, tarry stool.
When any of these are experienced, it is best to seek medical help as soon as possible.