Sorbitol

Definition

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol sugar substitute produced from glucose (often from corn syrup). Sorbitol is half as sweet as sucrose and contains 2.6 calories per gram.

Health considerations

Sorbitol can have a laxative effect, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea with as little as 10 grams of intake. Sorbitol has no effect on blood sugar but may not be suitable for diabetics.

May be found in

Cereal bars, glazings, chewing gum, hard candies, cakes, pastries, fruit filling, ice cream, frozen desserts, surimi, table top sweetener, chocolate, biscuits

References

Acta Medica Scandinavia
AmericanDiabetes.com
Oregon State University
Center for Science in the Public Interest
Cargill

Alternative Spellings and Names

Glycitol, E420