HealthyPIG Magazine

Sorbitol is a carbohydrate called a sugar alcohol or polyol, which is a water-soluble compound found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Sorbitol is also produced commercially from glucose and is used in packaged foods and beverages to provide sweetness, texture and moisturizing properties. The safety of sorbitol has been reviewed and confirmed by health authorities around the world, including the World Health Organization, the European Union, and countries such as Australia, Canada, and Japan. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recognizes sorbitol as safe. While the safety of sorbitol and other sugar alcohols is well-documented, some sugar alcohols can cause gastrointestinal upset, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea when consumed in excess. Therefore, foods containing the sugar alcohols sorbitol or mannitol must carry a warning on their labels about potential laxative effects.