什麼是山梨糖醇?好處、用途、副作用等

What is sorbitol?

Sorbitol, also known as D-sorbitol, 50-70-4, E420 and D-glucitol, is a carbohydrate. It belongs to a class of sugar alcohols called polyols. This water-soluble compound occurs naturally in some fruits, including apples, apricots, dates, berries, peaches, plums and figs. It is also produced commercially from corn syrup and is used in packaged foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals. Commercially, sorbitol is used to retain moisture, add sweetness, and provide texture to products, and may support digestive and oral health.

Benefits and uses

Sorbitol is a widely used sugar alcohol.
Sorbitol is a widely used sugar alcohol for many reasons.

First, sugar alcohols are often used in foods and beverages to replace traditional sugar to reduce their calorie content. Sorbitol contains about two-thirds of the calories of table sugar and provides about 60% of the sweetness.

It's also not fully digested in your small intestine. From there the remaining compound passes into the large intestine where it is fermented or broken down by bacteria, resulting in fewer calories being absorbed.

Second, sweeteners are often added to foods marketed to people with diabetes. This is because it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels when consumed compared to foods made with traditional sweeteners such as table sugar.

Third, unlike table sugar, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol do not contribute to the formation of cavities. This is one reason why they are often used to sweeten sugarless gum and liquid medications.

In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized that sugar alcohols such as sorbitol may benefit oral health. This is based on a study that found sorbitol may reduce the risk of tooth decay compared to table sugar, although not to the same extent as other sugar alcohols.

Finally, it is used alone as a laxative to combat constipation. It is hypertonic, meaning it draws water from surrounding tissues into the colon to facilitate bowel movements. It can be purchased at most grocery stores and pharmacies without a prescription.

Side effects and precautions

Consuming large amounts of sorbitol or other sugar alcohols can cause bloating and diarrhea in some people, especially if you are not used to consuming them regularly. This may be an undesirable result for some, but for those who use it to promote bowel movement, it is a desirable effect.

Fortunately, other side effects of sorbitol appear to be uncommon. The most commonly reported complaint is diarrhea, but it may also be accompanied by abdominal cramping or nausea.

Still, while some laxatives may be habit-forming and should not be used for extended periods of time, sorbitol is considered a non-stimulant laxative with less risk. That said, given that it works by drawing fluid into the intestines to encourage intestinal activity, it should only be used as directed.

Despite potential side effects, sorbitol has been reviewed and confirmed as safe for consumption by many global health agencies, including the FDA.

Dosage and how to take it

Sorbitol used as a laxative is available as a rectal enema or as an oral liquid solution. You can take it by mouth with a glass of water or mixed into a flavored drink, with or without food.

Recommended dosages vary. Some studies show that if you consume 10 grams or more per day, you are more likely to experience unwanted side effects. Additionally, one study found that even in healthy individuals, doses of 10 grams were more likely to cause malabsorption.

The FDA requires that labels on foods that may cause you to consume more than 50 grams per day include a warning: "Excessive intake may have laxative effects."

This is because taking too much sorbitol can cause serious digestive side effects and electrolyte imbalances, although there is no evidence that the compound causes toxicity.

If you think you have taken too much sorbitol and are experiencing noticeable symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Be prepared to provide information about dosage and symptoms, including time of onset.

Ultimately, it's best to follow the consumer instructions on the packaging. Or, if you have questions about appropriate dosage and use, talk to your healthcare provider.

interactive

Sorbitol should not be taken with calcium or sodium polystyrene sulfonate, which are used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood. Doing so can cause interactions that can lead to the death of intestinal tissue.

If you are taking sorbitol to relieve constipation, avoid using other laxatives at the same time unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

Storage and handling

Most sorbitol can be stored at room temperature or around 77°F (25°C). It should not be frozen or stored in high temperatures as this may shorten its shelf life.

However, there are many variations of sorbitol products, so their shelf life may vary.

Most products usually last 6-12 months if stored correctly, but this depends on the form and brand. Once a product has expired, be sure to discard it appropriately through a drug take-back event or other safe disposal method.

Review

All comments are moderated before being published

HealthyPIG Magazine

View all
光學治療濕疹 - 全面總結

光學治療濕疹 - 全面總結

簡介 光療使用光波來治療某些皮膚問題。皮膚會暴露於紫外線 (UV) 光下一段設定的時間。光療利用人造的紫外線光源,紫外線也來自陽光。當與一種叫做甲氧補骨脂素的藥物一起使用時,這個程序稱為 PUVA 光療。 紫外線光能夠抑制皮膚中的免疫系統細胞,對於因免疫系統過度反應引起的皮膚問題有幫助。可以使...
什麼是「操縱者」?

什麼是「操縱者」?

操縱者,也可以說成「擅用手段的人」,「心機重的人」。操縱者利用欺騙、影響或者其他形式的心理操控來控制或影響他人,以達到自己的目標。他們的行為通常包含使用隱蔽、間接或偷偷摸摸的手法來獲得他們想要的東西,往往是以犧牲他人為代價。以下是一些常見的特徵和手段: 欺騙: 他們可能會說謊或扭曲事實來誤...
什麼是肌肉抽搐?你需要去看醫生嗎?

什麼是肌肉抽搐?你需要去看醫生嗎?

肌肉抽搐,也稱為肌束顫動,是指身體各部分出現不自主的肌肉收縮。以下是肌肉抽搐的原因、症狀及管理方法的詳細介紹: 肌肉抽搐的原因 壓力和焦慮 高水平的壓力和焦慮會導致肌肉緊張和抽搐。身體對壓力的反應會觸發神經系統,導致肌肉不自主地收縮。 疲勞 過度使用或劇烈運動後的肌肉疲勞會導致肌...
蘋果與牙齒健康:保護牙齒的小技巧

Apples and Dental Health: Tips to Protect Your Teeth

Apples are widely loved for their rich nutritional content and refreshing taste. However, apples' acidic and sugary content may also have an impact...
蘋果籽的毒性:它們真的有毒嗎?

Apple Seed Toxicity: Are They Really Poisonous?

Apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, compounds that break down in the body to produce cyanide, which has raised concerns about the toxicity o...
有機蘋果與傳統蘋果:哪個更健康?

Organic apples vs. conventional apples: Which one is healthier?

Apple is one of the common fruits in our daily life, but when choosing, many people are confused whether to choose organic apples or traditional ap...
艾草:益處,營養,副作用,評論和推薦產品

Wormwood: Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects, Reviews and Recommended Products

Highlights What is Artemisia? Background and history health benefits Instructions drug interactions Side effects and disad...
紅麴米:益處,營養,副作用,評論和推薦產品

Red Yeast Rice: Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects, Reviews and Recommended Products

Highlights What is Red Yeast Rice? Background and history health benefits Instructions drug interactions Side effects and ...
什麼是草藥膏?

What is herbal ointment?

Highlights What is Herbal Salve? Background and history health benefits Instructions drug interactions Side effects and di...