What Is Sorbitol? Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More

Sorbitol is a widely used sugar alcohol for several reasons.

First, sugar alcohols are often used in foods and beverages in place of traditional sugar to reduce their calorie content. Sorbitol contains approximately two-thirds of the calories of table sugar and provides about 60% of the sweetness (2).

It’s also not fully digested in your small intestine. What remains of the compound from there moves into the large intestine where it’s instead fermented, or broken down by bacteria, resulting in fewer calories being absorbed (3).

Second, the sweetener is often added to foods marketed to people with diabetes. That’s because it has very little effect on blood sugar levels when eaten, compared with foods made with traditional sweeteners like table sugar.

Third, unlike table sugar, sugar alcohols like sorbitol don’t contribute to the formation of cavities. This is one reason why they’re often used to sweeten sugar-free chewing gum and liquid medications (1, 4).

In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized that sugar alcohols like sorbitol may benefit oral health. This is based on a study that found that sorbitol may reduce cavity risk compared with table sugar, although not to the same extent as other sugar alcohols (5, 6).

Lastly, it’s used on its own as a laxative to combat constipation. It’s hyperosmotic, meaning it draws water into the colon from surrounding tissues to promote bowel movements. It can be purchased for this purpose at most grocery and drug stores without a prescription.

Consuming sorbitol or other sugar alcohols in large amounts can cause bloating and diarrhea in some people, especially if you’re not used to regularly consuming them. This can be an unwelcome result for some, but the desired effect for those using it to promote bowel activity.

Fortunately, other side effects from sorbitol appear to be uncommon. The most frequently reported complaint is diarrhea, though it may be accompanied by abdominal cramping or nausea (7, 8).

Still, while some laxatives can be habit-forming and shouldn’t be used for prolonged periods, sorbitol is considered a less risky, non-stimulative laxative. That said, given that it works by drawing fluid into your intestines to promote bowel activity, it should only be used as directed (9).

Despite its potential side effects, sorbitol has been reviewed and recognized as safe to consume by many global health authorities, including the FDA, Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), and European Union (2, 10).

Sorbitol for laxative use can be found both as a rectal enema or liquid solution to be taken orally. You can take it orally with a glass of water or mixed into flavored beverages, with or without food.

Recommended dosages vary. Some studies indicate that unwanted side effects are more likely if you consume 10 grams or more per day. Additionally, one study found that malabsorption was more likely with doses of 10 grams — even among healthy individuals (1, 10).

The FDA requires that labels on foods that could cause you to consume more than 50 grams daily include the warning: “Excess consumption may have a laxative effect” (12).

That’s because taking too much sorbitol can cause severe digestive side effects and electrolyte imbalances, although there’s no evidence that the compound can cause toxicity (7, 10).

If you think you’ve taken too much sorbitol and are experiencing significant symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Be prepared to provide information about the dosage and your symptoms, including the timing of their onset.

Ultimately, it’s best to follow consumer directions on the packaging. Alternatively, consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about appropriate dosing and usage.

Sorbitol should not be taken with calcium or sodium polystyrene sulfonate, which are used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood. Doing so can cause an interaction that leads to intestinal tissue death (11).

If you’re taking sorbitol to alleviate constipation, avoid using other laxatives at the same time unless your healthcare provider has specifically directed you to do so.

Most sorbitol can be stored at room temperature, or approximately 77°F (25°C). It should not be frozen or kept in hot environments, as this may reduce its shelf life.

However, many variations of sorbitol products exist, so it’s likely that their shelf lives vary.

If stored correctly, most products typically last 6–12 months, although this depends on the form and brand. Once a product is expired, be sure to discard it appropriately through a drug take-back event or another safe disposal method.

While clinical research on the effects of taking sorbitol while pregnant or breastfeeding is limited, sugar alcohols and polyols are generally considered safe to use in moderation (13).

Yet, as with other medications and supplements, it’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before using sorbitol if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Sorbitol is generally considered a low risk laxative for most people when used correctly, although certain populations should avoid it.

Caution is advised if using sorbitol for children. It’s best to speak to your healthcare provider for specific dosing for kids.

People with preexisting digestive conditions or sensitivities may also want to avoid the compound (14).

This includes those following a low FODMAP diet, which excludes certain types of carbs. FODMAP is an acronym that stands for “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols,” and sorbitol is a polyol (15).

The low FODMAP diet is commonly followed by people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As such, those with this condition should avoid using sorbitol.

As with other medications, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider about the appropriate use and dosage of sorbitol, especially if you have a chronic health condition.

If you’re looking for an alternative to sorbitol to provide laxative effects, several low risk options are available.

The most similar alternatives are other sugar alcohols like erythritol or xylitol, which are commonly used in chewing gum and diet drinks (16).

Other foods that may provide similar laxative effects include (14):

• Flax and chia seeds. These contain 8–10 grams of stool-promoting fiber per 1/4 cup or 3 tablespoons (30 grams), respectively (17, 18).
• Kefir. This is a fermented milk product rich in probiotics that can increase regularity and the speed of intestinal transit, add moisture, and bulk up your stool (19, 20).
• Castor oil. This long-used natural laxative is derived from castor beans, which are full of intestinal-movement-promoting ricinoleic acid (21).
• Fruits and veggies. High fiber fruits and veggies like berries and leafy greens can boost stool output (22).
• Legumes. Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and peanuts are rich in fiber and the compound butyric acid, both of which promote regularity (23).
• Prunes and apples. These are natural sources of sorbitol. Note that they may not be good options for those following a low FODMAP diet.
• Senna. This herb is derived from the plant Senna alexandrina and found in many common over-the-counter laxatives (24).
• Aloe vera. Aloe vera latex is often used as a laxative. It’s full of anthraquinone glycoside, which are compounds that draw water into the intestines and stimulate your digestive tract (25).
• Magnesium citrate. This common laxative and nutritional supplement promotes bowel movements.
• Coffee. This beverage is a natural bowel stimulant that triggers intestinal muscle movement in many people.
• Psyllium husk. This rich source of soluble fiber can help soften stool and make it easier to pass (26).

Sorbitol may also be used in conjunction with a diet rich in fiber and stool-forming foods to maintain bowel regularity.