Is sorbitol safe? Whether the dosage of sorbitol is required?

In this post, the topic of “Is sorbitol safe” is discussed. Then we introduce the basic properties of sorbitol and its application.

Basic properties of sorbitol

The molecular formula of sorbitol is C6H14O6, which has a cool and sweet taste, and its sweetness is similar to saccharose. It is a white powder or white crystal powder. It is easy to dissolve in water, slightly dissolved in ethanol, and insoluble in chloroform or diethyl ether.

Sorbitol, with good moisturizing properties, can make food maintain moisture and prevent losing water but also prevent precipitating crystallization from salt and sugar. It can keep the balance of sweet, sour, and bitter intensity. Besides, because it is a non-volatile polyol, the flavor of food can be enhanced, and there is the function of maintaining food aroma. Is sorbitol safe? Through the above introduction, we may not be sure whether sorbitol is safe, let's see other information about it.

Is sorbitol safe? Is it safe in any circumstances?

Sorbitol has been widely applied in food products as a food additive. In the case of the scope and amount of food allowed by national regulations, it usually does not cause harm to the human body. However, if it is out of range, it may cause harm to the human body.

1. Appropriate addition: In general, sorbitol is harmless to the human body when added in appropriate amounts. It’s mainly added in pastries, beverages as a food additive, and can also be used in the manufacturing process of cosmetics and toothpaste as a moisturizer. After entering the body, sorbitol is not converted into glucose and is not controlled by insulin, so people with diabetes can also take it in a suitable amount. So, sorbitol is usually safe to ingest in normal amounts to humans.

2. Excessive addition: Some food producers may add excessive sorbitol in the process of producing food. If a large amount of sorbitol is ingested by humans, it is usually not well absorbed, but staying in the intestine, which can increase the osmotic pressure in the intestine. Then the intestinal water flows out, thus making the stool thin, resulting in diarrhea. Some people are not tolerant of sorbitol, and it is very hard for them to tolerate it when ingesting too much, resulting in gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion and diarrhea.

So, is sorbitol safe? There is no harm to the human body if moderate consumption of sorbitol is ingested. But if excessive ingestion, there is harmful. In general, the daily intake of sorbitol should not exceed 50 grams. For people with gastrointestinal sensitivity, as well as pregnant women and children, the use of sorbitol should be careful. If symptoms of discomfort happen, you should stop using sorbitol immediately and consult a doctor.

The application of sorbitol

Maybe someone hears the message that people have the symptoms of diarrhea after consumption of sorbitol, so they have the question“Is sorbitol safe”. Sorbitol is entirely safe with an appropriate amount. 

According to the stipulations of China's “Health Standards for the Use of Food Additives”: sorbitol can be used in ice cream, popsicles, pastries, beverages, biscuits, and bread according to the production needs. In practice, sorbitol is always used as a sweetening agent, wetting agent, and stabilizer. Besides as a sweetener, sorbitol also has the effect of moisturizing, making the cake delicate, and preventing the aging of starch. Sorbitol can also be used as a raw material for the production of vitamin C.

Sorbitol is not only popular in the food field, but also plays an important role in the medical industry. Sorbitol is mainly applied to treat glaucoma, but it can also be used to treat edema and oliguria symptoms of normal heart and kidney function. Some patients may have excessive diuresis after medication, resulting in decreased blood volume and worsening oliguria. Some patients will have an allergic reaction to the drug or breathing difficulties, it is recommended to use sorbitol and then drink more water, which can be conducive to body excretion.

Conclusion: 

This brings us to conclude our post on the topic of "Is sorbitol safe". When the amount of sorbitol is within the prescribed limits, it is safe. If the dosage is exceeded, it will cause adverse symptoms such as diarrhea. So for sorbitol, we must pay attention to the amount. The application of sorbitol is still relatively wide, in the food industry as an additive, and in the medical industry can treat glaucoma, edema and other diseases.