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Sorbitol and other sugar alcohols appear in sugar free gums, gumballs, sugar free candies, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and some dietetic baked goods.
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White, odorless, sweet-tasting powder.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol or polyol. It has two thirds the calories of sugar, and is not as sweet (60% as sweet as sugar).
It is poorly absorbed by the body, so it does not raise insulin levels as much as sugar.
It does not promote tooth decay.
Sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol are isomers, substances with the same chemical formula, but a different shape. This changes the molecule just enough to make it harder for the body to absorb, while still tasting sweet on the tongue.
Sorbitol occurs naturally in fruits and vegetable. Most sorbitol in foods and other products is made from corn syrup.
Sorbitol is used in low calorie candies, and in many foods as both a sweetener and as a humectant (moisture retaining ingredient).
Sorbitol is used as an emollient (skin softener) in soaps.
There are no reported side effects from sorbitol.
According to an FDA article written in November 1999, "Sugar Alcohols: Though not technically considered artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols are slightly lower in calories than sugar and do not promote tooth decay or cause a sudden increase in blood glucose. They include sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, mannitol, and maltitol and are used mainly to sweeten sugar-free candies, cookies, and chewing gums. FDA classifies some of these sweeteners as "generally recognized as safe" and others as approved food additives."
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