One speaks of a sorbitol intolerance when the absorption of sorbitol in the small intestine is completely or partially disturbed. Here you can find out which signs point to a sobitin intolerance and what you should look out for.
Almost everyone has heard of lactose or fructose intolerance. However, only a few are aware of sorbitol intolerance. And this despite the fact that surveys show that around 80 percent of people do not tolerate large amounts of this sugar substitute well. In this article you will find out how the symptoms manifest themselves and what you can do about them.
Table of Contents
What is sorbitol intolerance?
Sorbitol, also known as sorbitol, glucitol or hexane hexaol, is a sugar substitute and is one of the sugar alcohols. It is a water-soluble compound that is commonly found naturally in certain types of fruit, such as apples, berries, peaches and plums.
Like most sugar alcohols, sorbitol is neither as sweet nor as high in calories as refined sugar. According to this, sorbitol contains only around 60 percent of the calories of sucrose (2.4 kilocalories per gram), but sweetens only half as much. For this reason, the sweetener is added to many products that are labeled as “sugar-free” or “light”. They are also found in pharmaceutical products, oral care products such as mouthwash and toothpaste, and finished products. In addition, it is often prescribed to diabetics as it is less likely to raise blood sugar levels. Although sorbitol is generally considered safe, large amounts may cause diarrhea. For this reason, all products containing sorbitol must bear a corresponding notice of the laxative effect.
Sorbitol malabsorption is when the sugar alcohol in the small intestine cannot be broken down or can only be broken down partially. Instead, it is metabolized by bacteria in the colon. As a result, this leads to abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea and bad breath.
What are the most common symptoms of sorbitol intolerance?
In people with sorbitol intolerance, the absorption capacity for this sweetener is still significantly lower than in most other people. The typical symptoms are similar to those of lactose, fructose and wheat intolerance and usually appear half an hour to two hours after eating the triggering food.
Classic symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- gas
- belching
- cramping abdominal pain
- nausea
- Greasy stool
- Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Also interesting: How healthy is fructose really?
How is sorbitol intolerance diagnosed?
If the typical gastrointestinal complaints, as described above, occur frequently after eating, a sorbitol intolerance could be an option. If you suspect this intolerance, you can contact a gastroenterologist. The disorder can be detected using a hydrogen breath test (H2 test) and by observing the symptoms. A food diary can also give you information about which foods you cannot tolerate.
Treatment of sorbitol intolerance
Sorbitol intolerance cannot be cured and can only be treated by changing your diet. The therapy consists of completely avoiding foods containing sorbitol. In order to determine the personal tolerance threshold, after two to four weeks of a strict diet, small amounts can be consumed and then gradually increased.
The following foods often contain sorbitol (E 420)
- Sugar free chewing gum
- Dried fruits (dates, raisins)
- Pome fruit (pears, apricots, plums and peaches)
- Diabetic products and low-calorie foods
- packaged desserts such as cakes, nut snails, cookies, etc.
- medicines and dietary supplements
- wine
- vinegar
