Sorbitol is a well known sugar substitute with a difference as it is very stable and chemically un-reactive. There is again hardly any sorbitol side effects associated with the product and is found naturally among different fruits and vegetables. In fact the presence of sorbitol is found in apples, peaches, prunes and pears. As a nutritive sweetener it is also very often used in ice creams and drinks.
The product is found to be in great demand as the same is used in chewing gums, bubble gums, mints, sweets and in cough syrups and other medicines. It is usually considered safe for use for all classes of people.
What are the different uses of Sorbitol?
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol and is an inactive ingredient used for certain food and other products. It is very commonly found as nutritive sweetener in many foods. The greatest advantage of sorbitol is the marked reduction seen in the levels of blood sugar levels. There are hardly any side effects associated with this product.
Sorbitol is also known in different brand names and is essentially a sugar alcohol which undergoes slow metabolism inside the human body. It is listed with some of the inactive ingredients in food products and is said to provide dietary energy to its users. Sorbitol in medicine form is given as a non-stimulant laxative and this is mainly done in the form of oral suspension or enema.
The varied uses of sorbitol itself are a testimony about the harmless effects it has on the human system. The product is actually a food nutrient which again can be used for medicinal purpose unlike other medical drugs. It has therefore been approved by the FDA for free use in any forms.
Sorbitol side effects is thus not of any consequences for people. The product is found in cosmetics to toothpaste and in sugar free chewing gum. Hence, for the diabetic persons this product has been welcomed with immense interest and duly promoted by companies on behalf of these people.
Is sorbitol a real replacement for sugar?
Sorbitol has been seen by experts and the consequences of a series of laboratory tests which have confirmed that it is a replacement of sugar. The product checks the rise in blood glucose in the human body as well as has reduced caloric value. This is quite ideal for consumption without the fear of any serious conditions associated with ordinary sugar and can be given to patients as medicine without fear of any side effects.
Sorbitol side effects may not be felt during food intake as the product is available in many diets and that too in its natural form for decades. In medication it is used as a non-stimulant laxative. This means that sorbitol exerts its laxative effect by draining water into the intestines. This again stimulates the bowel movements and relaxes the system on the whole.
The uses of sorbitol are not without controversies yet being a generally accepted product various uses have been seen in the commercial world. Sorbitol is used as a cryoprotectant additive in the manufacture of surimi. This is a highly refined fish paste and is quite common in many homes. Besides, sorbitol is also used as humectants in some cigarettes.
Sorbitol is a real blessing for the diabetic person as he or she can take this sweetener without the fear of any increase in blood sugar. In other words, any rise in blood sugar and the response of insulin that is associated with the ingestion of glucose is significantly reduced. This again results in reduced calorie and proves to be an effective weight controller.
The most awesome factor of sorbitol is its tooth friendliness as it doesn’t promote tooth decay. The product has been aptly given the approval by FDA which has labeled it as a product which does not promote tooth decay which means that there is no harm for the tooth even if sorbitol is frequently consumed.
What are the Sorbitol side effects
In a previous post, I have spoken about amitriptyline side effects. There are no reports of any serious side effects of sorbitol. However, there might be a few mild to moderate side effects like irritable bowel syndrome and other similar gastro-intestinal condition. This may or may not result in severe abdominal pain. At times diarrhea has been reported when sorbitol is consumed in large quantities.
Sorbitol again should not be taken with other medicine until and unless the doctor approves of the same. This might create mild side effects like nausea, gas, stomach cramps or anal irritation. The medication is usually taken by mouth or can be taken rectally as an enema after the solution has been properly mixed.
The medication if at all has to be given to elderly people must be monitored by the doctor to ascertain any side effects as it may prove to be fatal. The oral medicine should be stored in a safe place under room temperature.
Prolonged use of sorbitol might make the person laxative dependent. In fact, care must be taken to discontinue the medication once normal bowel returns. Further, there can be sorbitol side effects if the dosage is stopped suddenly. The medication therefore must be gradually stopped in order to avoid any adverse affect on the patient.
In the next post, I will talk about lansoprazole side effects.
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