Sorbitol, a known laxative, is an essential ingredient in most of the sugar free chewing gums available in the markets. The small intestine does not absorb this laxatin easily and therefore intakes of such chewing gums have their own risks.
This caution has been put forward by the authors Juergen Bauditz, Kristina Norman, Henrik Biering, and Herbert Lochs in the “Lessons of the Week” in January 12 issue of the “British Medical Journal”.
Sorbitol’s this role of responsibility was discovered in a sudden occurrence by the doctors when two patients with chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excessive weight loss were being investigated. Doctors could not diagnose and identify the exact reason for this condition during the initial phases of investigations.
Doctors then decided to conduct an analysis of their eating habits and finally they could nail it down with much chewing gum with sorbitol consumption.
Consumers at large are not aware of the side effects of sorbitol. In case of any gastronomical problem people do not know that it may be a result of laxative effects of sorbitol.
Sorbitol’s use can be a determinative factor for chronic diarrhea and functional bowl problems. In case of observing a surprising and considerable weight loss approaching 20% of the body weight, one must go through intensive investigations including detailed dietary history pertaining to sorbitol containing foods.
Sorbitol or glucitol is in fact a sugar alcohol. It is metabolized in the human body at a slow rate. Sorbitol forms as a result of a chemical reduction process in which glucose changes the ether group to a hydroxyl group and this is why it has been given a name of ‘sugar alcohol’.
Sorbitol is a common ingredient in cough syrups, sugar free mints, chewing gums, diet foods, diet drinks, and several ice creams. Some special variety of stone fruits and berries from trees belonging to the ‘sorbus genus’ have been known to be a source of natural sorbitol.
The average dietary calories provided by sorbitol are almost 2.6 kilocalories per gram. Normal sugar, on the other hand provides nearly 4 kilocalories. The sweetness retention of sorbitol is about 60% of the normal sugar.Sorbitol is an E420 food additive and has been classified as a sweetener, emulsifier, and humectants.
Sorbitol finds its prevalent application as a non-stimulant laxative. Its application is either oral suspension or suppository based and it draws water in to the large intestine when used by any human being resulting in to stimulating bowl movements.
Other causes of diarrhea.
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