What are Sorbitol Side Effects?

If you suffer from side effects from sorbitol , you should always check whether a product contains this substance. However, the industry does not always clearly write the term “ sorbitol ” on the packaging. It is also hidden behind numerous E designations, such as E420, E432, E492 and E495.

However, the substance is also used in the medical field , for example as a laxative. It works by softening the stool and thus making it easier to pass through the intestines. As useful as the substance is, it can also have negative sides. This applies if you suffer from an intolerance or even an allergy to the substance. As a result, nausea, bloating and other physical complaints can occur.

Sorbitol is generally not suitable for some people. For example, if you suffer from diabetes or an intestinal disease. There are then alternatives that a doctor or pharmacist can recommend. A vegan diet can also help to eliminate foods containing sorbitol from your diet as much as possible. However, you still need to avoid certain fruits and vegetables such as plums and broccoli.

In this text we will explain to you what sorbitol is and what it is used for. We then present the most common side effects that can be attributed to the substance. However, since they are very similar to the symptoms of other food intolerances , close observation is possible. A doctor can also help rule out another illness.

In the last section we explain how you should behave correctly if you have an intolerance so that you feel well again quickly and do not suffer any long-term damage from taking it.

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is found in many foods as a sweetener and humectant. For example, it is contained in fruits as a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, but can also be produced industrially. This means that it can also be found in plant-based foods for vegans.

In addition, the substance is often used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free and diabetic products. It has a similar sweetness to sugar, but fewer calories. It can therefore also be found in vegan alternatives to milk chocolate. It is also a popular ingredient in jams, chewing gum and baked goods.

In the medical field, sorbitol is used as a mild laxative . When taken by patients, it increases the amount of water drawn into the intestines. This in turn leads to increased stool volume and easier bowel emptying. The substance is therefore often used for constipation, colon cleanses or in preparation for medical examinations such as endoscopies or colonoscopies.

It is usually taken in the form of syrup, tablets or as part of other medications. The dosage varies depending on the application and should always be taken according to the doctor's or manufacturer's instructions. It can also cause unpleasant symptoms in some people.

In addition to its use as a laxative, sorbitol is used to prepare parenteral solutions. These are solutions that are administered directly into the bloodstream. In this case, it ensures that the stability and shelf life of the other active ingredients in the medication is increased.

But the substance can also be detected in some cosmetic products, for example in skin care products, soaps and shampoos. It serves as a generally well-tolerated humectant.

Due to its versatile properties, sugar alcohol is often used in industry. This also applies to vegan products . If you are already aware of an intolerance, you should take a close look at the ingredients when purchasing.

Sorbitol is generally considered safe. However, it can cause unpleasant discomfort in some people. The most common are abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. In addition, there can be unpleasant pressure in the upper abdomen , which you might be familiar with from fat intolerance .

Symptoms like these usually occur when the substance is taken in high doses or when someone is more sensitive to sorbitol. In addition, an overdose may cause more serious symptoms such as dehydration or muscle weakness . For this reason, sorbitol should only be taken as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.

This also applies to long-term applications. This can lead to a high loss of salt and, as a result, muscle weakness or heart problems. In addition, acidification can occur. Changes in the composition of urine are also possible. For example, more proteins can be detected in it.

In addition, an allergic reaction may occur when ingested. Although these are rare, they can cause symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing in some people. People with a known allergy to sorbitol should therefore avoid consuming products that contain the substance.

Since sugar alcohol is often contained in meat products, a vegan diet is a good alternative. Greenforce 's meat substitute products do not contain any artificial additives and can therefore be consumed safely even if you have a meat allergy .

It is also possible that there are interactions with other medications. If you are taking other medicine at the same time or if you suffer from certain illnesses such as diabetes, you should only take the substance after medical advice.

If you take sorbitol and notice negative changes in your health immediately afterwards or after some time, contact your doctor immediately. Rapid medical attention is particularly necessary if you have severe symptoms such as persistent diarrhea or severe abdominal pain .

As with food intolerances, with sorbitol you should take your body's reactions seriously. If you experience symptoms of chocolate intolerance , stop consuming it. The same applies to sorbitol. If you have stomach pain, bloating or other symptoms, you should reduce your intake or stop taking the medication completely.

Please also consult your doctor about this. For example, they can prescribe you another laxative.

You should also proceed as follows until your physical condition improves:

1. Drink a lot : Drink enough fluids. Water in particular helps to compensate for fluid loss during diarrhea and prevents dehydration.
2. Eat little : Avoid eating solid foods until your digestive tract normalizes. It is better to eat foods that are easy to digest, such as soups or broths.
   
   

If the symptoms do not go away despite this approach, you should also contact your doctor. He can assess whether the symptoms could possibly have another cause. For example, an intolerance to protein can cause bloating . Your doctor may also advise you to keep a food diary to identify possible food intolerance.

Consequently, it is important to note that sorbitol is not suitable for all people. In particular, people with certain illnesses such as diabetes, intestinal problems or a sorbitol allergy should avoid the substance. In this case, you can resort to other medications and foods. You should also not consume it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You should also note that sugar alcohol should not be taken for more than two weeks at a time. However, if your body reacts to sorbitol with side effects beforehand, it is trying to tell you something. You should never ignore this.