Do you know what sorbitol is and what it is used for?

Do you know what sorbitol is and what are its uses? Sorbitol is a type of carbohydrate that has a sweet taste and few calories. Sorbitol has many benefits and is also used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. If you want to know fully what is sorbitol and what are its benefits and side effects, read this article carefully.

What is sorbitol and what is its use?

What is sorbitol? Sorbitol is a type of carbohydrate that belongs to a group of sugar alcohols called polyols. This substance is naturally present in some fruits such as apples, apricots, dates, berries, peaches, plums, pears and figs.

Since it has a sweet taste and is low in calories, it is added in the industry as a dietary sweetener to products such as protein bars, shakes, chewing gum or even some medicines. Unlike regular sugar, sorbitol is absorbed slowly by the body, which helps manage blood sugar levels and reduce calorie intake.

Application in food industry

Sorbitol is used as a sweetener in sugar-free products including chewing gum, candies, and diet foods; Because it has low calories but it is sweet.

This sweetener is often found in special diet foods for people with diabetes. This is because compared to sugar, it has a much smaller effect on blood sugar levels.

Also, sorbitol can maintain the moisture of food, for this reason, it is used to prepare some dry products such as peanut butter.

Use and application in the pharmaceutical industry

Sorbitol is a natural osmotic laxative that helps to absorb water in the intestine. In simpler terms, the slow absorption rate of sorbitol causes water to be drawn into the intestine and stool to become soft. This feature helps to stimulate bowel movements and make bowel movements easier. The laxative property of fruits like plums is due to the presence of sorbitol! Of course, consuming too much of it can cause bloating or heartburn.

In addition to helping with constipation, sorbitol can be beneficial for oral health. Unlike sugar and regular sugar, sorbitol does not cause tooth decay (which is why it is used to sweeten sugar-free gums and liquid medicines); Even the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized that sugar alcohols such as sorbitol can be beneficial for oral health.

Use and application in the cosmetics industry

In cosmetics, sorbitol acts as a humectant, emollient, and thickener, helping to maintain the texture of products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and skin and cosmetic products.

What are the benefits of using sorbitol?

So far we have learned about the uses of sorbitol, but what are the benefits of sorbitol? You may have heard the name of sorbitol as a laxative and helps to treat constipation. In the following, we will talk about other benefits of sorbitol.

1. Help to manage weight and maintain strict exercise regimens

A lot of bodybuilders and athletes have rigid diets where even very low calorie counts are important, such diets usually get boring very quickly. But sorbitol, without many calories, brings a sweet taste to the dry and strict diets of athletes and helps them stick to this diet more easily.

2. Keeping the blood sugar level stable

Unlike simple sugars that raise blood sugar, sorbitol is slowly absorbed by the body. This is a very important feature that prevents a sudden increase and then a sudden drop in the blood sugar of the athlete. As a result, the athlete’s energy remains constant during training, which is very important for intense training sessions.

3. Digestive health

Sorbitol acts as a prebiotic and helps the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Of course, the health of the digestive system is important for everyone, but it is more important for an athlete who must have regular and regular heavy nutrition to cope with hard training and recover his body.

4. Hydration and electrolyte balance

Sorbitol has the effect of hydrating and maintaining moisture because it helps the body retain water. Staying hydrated is important for athletes because it helps muscle function and prevents muscle cramps.

Application of sorbitol in bodybuilding

As we have explained so far in the article, sorbitol is a low-calorie sweetener, so it is used in bodybuilding as a sugar substitute in products such as protein bars, sports drinks, and supplements. Consuming this substance in the right amount is not a problem for bodybuilders and can help them stick to their diet.

Side effects of sorbitol powder

Consuming sorbitol (or other sugar alcohols) in large amounts can cause digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas and diarrhea in some people, especially if you are not used to consuming them regularly or if your digestive system is sensitive.

Fortunately, if sorbitol is taken in moderation and under the supervision of a doctor, it has no other strange side effects, the most common reported complaint being diarrhea.

However, remember that you shouldn’t depend on laxatives for bowel movements, as your digestive system should be able to eliminate on its own. So, although sorbitol is a safe laxative, it should only be taken as directed and no more.

final word

Sorbitol is a type of carbohydrate that belongs to the category of sugar alcohols. This substance is naturally present in some fruits such as apples, apricots, dates, berries, peaches, plums, pears and figs. Sorbitol is a sweetener with low calories and is used in pharmaceutical, food and health industries. In this article, we have fully explained what sorbitol is and what are its benefits and side effects.

Resources: news-medica – healthline – webmd