Sorbitol Side Effects

Are you on a weight loss program? Have you become health conscious suddenly? If the answers to these questions are yes, then the chances are high that you have started using sorbitol. If you have started using it already or are going to start using sorbitol, it is always good to speak to your health care professional to know about sorbitol side effects, which can range from minor to severe. Also the physician will be able to give you the correct dosage of sorbitol, which will not cause any side effects.

What is Sorbitol?

The other name of sorbitol is 'glucitol' and the chemical formula of which is C₆H₁₄O₆. It is actually a sugar alcohol, which is slowly metabolized by the human body. Sorbitol occurs naturally in many stone fruits and berries of trees, which belong to the genus 'Sorbus'. Some of the fruits in which sorbitol can be found include prunes, pears, peaches and apples. It derives its name from the genus Sorbus. Now let's focus on the usage of sorbitol.

Uses of Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a sugar substitute, often found in diet food like ice creams, colas, sugar-free chewing gums, cough syrups, etc. It is also used as a nutritive sweetener, as it is a source of dietary energy. There are sorbitol gums, sorbitol toothpaste, sorbitol ice creams and sorbitol sweets, which are available. Some of the cake mixes, diet drinks also contain sorbitol. Sorbitol is also used in some medications. It is used as a laxative to cure constipation. When you are using a sorbitol laxative do not use any other laxative. It is also an emulsifier. These days sorbitol is also used in cosmetics to thicken them. A glycerin sorbitol combination is used to make soaps as well. These soaps do not dry the skin like alcohol soaps do. Now let's turn towards side effects of sorbitol.

Side Effects of Sorbitol

Although considered healthy, there are sorbitol side effects present too. Let's get to know what they are.

• The laxative effect of sorbitol is well-known. Although it is not well absorbed in the small intestine.
• Sorbitol sweeteners help in reducing the number of calorie intake. However, excessive sorbitol use can cause extreme weight loss. The weight loss achieved, by using sorbitol is dramatic and unexplained.
• One of the sorbitol effects is diarrhea. While studying the side effects of sorbitol, it was found that sorbitol chewing gum caused diarrhea in many patients. Since sorbitol is a laxative, there is excessive water, which enters the gastrointestinal tract and causes diarrhea. Due to constant diarrhea, there is unintended weight loss.
• Abdominal pain is another common sorbitol effect.
• If you observe stomach cramps after consumption of sorbitol, understand it is an emergency and seek medical help immediately.
• Sorbitol toxicity can also give rise to abdominal bloating or flatulence.
• Sorbitol solution can cause increased or decreased urination. It can also cause dry mouth.
• Extended sorbitol use causes nausea.
• Excessive usage of liquid sorbitol can cause anal irritation.
• Rectal bleeding is another side effect of sorbitol.
• Along with diarrhea, sorbitol also causes vomiting. People who are very sensitive to sorbitol may suffer from vomiting.
• One of the very serious side effect of sorbitol is black, tarry stools.
• In very rare cases, sorbitol can also cause allergies, such as a skin rash, itching, swelling, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, hives, etc.
• Sorbitol can cause dizziness, if used for an extended period.
• Some patients have also recorded trouble in breathing after use of sorbitol.
• Sorbitol is also known to aggravate irritable bowel syndrome.
• In some severe cases, there can be swelling of the face and body caused from sorbitol usage.
• In severe cases, sorbitol can also cause seizures, blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, change in heart rate, etc.

Use of sorbitol in combination with sodium polystyrene sulfonate has been banned since 2010 by FDA, for it increases the risk of GI necrosis. In this condition sodium ions are exchanged for potassium ions in the bowel. The laxative effect of sorbitol causes the potassium ions to be eliminated from the body.

If you notice any of the side effects of sorbitol, talk to your physician, without wasting any time. In case of suspected overdose call the emergency or local poison control department, immediately. You can buy sorbitol over the counter. If you buy it from your regular pharmacist, he would know the sorbitol side effects along with the other drugs you are using. Sorbitol dangers increase, if you are not taking it under your doctor's supervision. With all the mentioned sorbitol side effects, I will only say 'Prevention is better than cure', hence, use it in a prescribed dose only.