Sorbitol Dangers

Sorbitol is nothing but a type of sugar alcohol known as glucitol. Sorbitol is naturally present in some fruits and berries. Human body metabolizes sorbitol slowly. Sorbitol is used as a sugar substitute in the food industry. It is added as an artificial sweetener in juices, sugar-free pastries, gums and mints. It is found in diet foods like diet ice creams, colas, sugar-free chewing gums, cough syrups, medicines, etc. It is a source of energy and so is also sometimes referred to as nutritive sweetener. It is also used as an emulsifier for thickening of cosmetics. Sorbitol is generally used as a sugar substitute in diabetic diet; but it works as a laxative. Actually, sorbitol is a harmless additive but overdose of sorbitol or use of sorbitol over long periods increases sorbitol risks. Here is an overview of sorbitol dangers.

Dangers of Sorbitol
You should consult your physician to regulate the amount of sorbitol intake on a day-to-day basis, since excessive consumption of sorbitol may cause:

• Excessive thirst and dehydration due to increased bowel movement or diarrhea.
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain.
• Nausea and vomiting in people who are very sensitive to sorbitol.
• Abdominal bloating and/or black tarry stools.
• Rectal bleeding and anal irritation
• Seizures
• Swelling of the face and body
• In rare cases, allergies like skin rash, swelling and itching.
• Dizziness if used for an extended period.
• Dry mouth
• Increased or decreased urination
• Unintended and dramatic weight loss, mainly when individuals chew gum with artificial sweeteners, multiple times per day.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Undigested sorbitol serves as a platform for fermentation of bacteria in stomach which results in production of gas, bloating, cramps and flatulence.
• Diarrhea: Digestion of at least 10 g of sorbitol per day greatly influences a process known as osmotic purge. While passing through the intestine, sorbitol draws water in the opposite direction through natural osmosis, causing bowel movements to be watery, increasing the risk of diarrhea.

Sorbitol overdose symptoms are generally mild and are completely preventable. When the source of sorbitol is removed from the diet, the symptoms subside. Thus, it is easy to avoid sorbitol side effects.

Why Avoid Sorbitol
Sorbitol affects the function of the stomach. Problems arise mainly because the stomach cannot digest sorbitol properly. Incomplete digestion or malabsorption of sorbitol in the small intestine is responsible for fermentation, which in turn causes adverse symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome, dehydration and eventually, weight loss. More consumption of sorbitol leads to more sorbitol buildup over time. Fermentation continues and the adverse effects are experienced until the person stops consuming foods containing sorbitol. One should know about sorbitol dangers, because not only a large amount but a small amount of sorbitol can also lead to abdominal pain, if the person is suffering from IBS or any other gastrointestinal condition. Sorbitol can aggravate stomach problems.

Individuals diagnosed with diabetes have an increased risk of sorbitol side effects. An enzyme called aldose reductase converts glucose into sorbitol. In diabetic individuals, the actions of aldose reductase are greatly accelerated. Accelerated conversion of glucose into sorbitol can result in damaged nerves, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys. Cataracts also can occur. So, individuals diagnosed with diabetes should limit or avoid sorbitol ingestion.

Intravenous sorbitol infusions can be lethal for patients with hereditary fructose intolerance. Pregnant women should consult the doctor before consuming sorbitol during pregnancy.

These days, sorbitol gums, sorbitol toothpaste, sorbitol ice creams and sorbitol sweets, etc. are available in the market. Stopping the use of sorbitol is the best way to stay away from sorbitol dangers. If you wish to use sorbitol, you should consult your doctor and limit the consumption to minimum dosage.