What is Sorbitol?

By Christie C. Yerby, NMD
Science Advisor for Peoplesway Inc.

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It has two thirds the calories of sugar and is not as sweet (60% as sweet as sugar). It is poorly absorbed by the body, so it does not raise insulin levels as much as sugar and does not promote tooth decay. It is often combined with other natural sweeteners, such as stevia, to produce a safe high quality sweet taste

Sorbitol is in a classification of sugar alcohols called polyols; this is not rubbing alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or grain alcohol. Scientists call them sugar alcohols because part of their structure chemically resembles sugar and part is similar to alcohols. However, these sugar-free sweeteners are neither sugars nor alcohols.

Sorbitol can be described as a glucose molecule with two hydrogens added. The two extra hydrogens are on either side of what used to be the double bond connecting the oxygen to the carbon, which is now a single bond. This changes the molecule just enough to make it harder for the body to absorb, while still tasting sweet on the tongue.

Sorbitol is a natural laxative at high doses and is present in pears, prunes and other fruits. For the vast majority of consumers, these sweeteners do not cause a problem. In some people, however, excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas or laxative effects, similar to reactions to beans and certain high-fiber foods. Such symptoms depend on an individual's sensitivity and on other foods eaten at the same time.

Gastrointestinal symptoms, if they occur at all, are usually mild and temporary. If a person believes she/he is sensitive, the amount eaten on a single occasion should be reduced. Most people will adapt after a few days, the same way they do to high fiber foods. Many people with diabetes, for example, have learned from their health professional to eat only a small amount of sugar-free products containing polyols at first and then to gradually increase these foods in the diet.

Sorbitol is slowly absorbed. Therefore, when sorbitol is used, the rise in blood glucose and the insulin response associated with the ingestion of glucose is significantly reduced.

Sorbitol has been affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is approved for use by the European Union and numerous countries around the world, including Australia, Canada and Japan. Additionally, the FDA has approved the use of a "does not promote tooth decay" health claim in labeling for sugar-free foods that contain sorbitol or other polyols.

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