Sorbitol

Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, is a ether group to an additional hydroxyl group hence the name sugar alcohol.

Use as a sweetener

Sorbitol is used in various cough syrups and "sugar-free" mints and is usually listed under the inactive ingredients. Too much sorbitol (from 10 to 50g, or more for adults) can cause gastro-intestinal problems.^[1]

Sorbitol is a sugar substitute often used in diet foods (including diet drinks and ice cream) and sugar-free chewing gum. It also occurs naturally in many stone fruits and berries from trees of the genus Sorbus^[2]. Sorbitol is also referred to as a nutritive sweetener because it provides dietary energy: 2.6 kilocalories (11 kilojoules) per E number E420, categorized as a sweetener, emulsifier and humectant.

Use as a laxative

Sorbitol can be used as a non-stimulant laxative as either an oral suspension or suppository. The drug works by drawing water into the large intestine, thereby stimulating bowel movements.^[3] Sorbitol has been determined safe to use in the elderly although it is by no means recommended. ^[4]

Clinical significance

Ingesting large amounts of sorbitol can lead to some abdominal pain, gas, and mild to severe diarrhea. Sorbitol can also aggravate irritable bowel syndrome and fructose malabsorption.^{[citation needed]}

Even in the absence of dietary sorbitol, cells also produce sorbitol naturally. When too much sorbitol is produced inside cells, it can cause damage.^[5] polyol pathway.^{[citation needed]}

Other uses

Sorbitol is often used in modern cosmetics as a humectant and thickener. Some transparent refractive index sufficiently high for transparent formulations. It is also used as a humectant in some cigarettes.^{[citation needed]}

Sorbitol is used as a cryoprotectant additive (mixed with phosphates) in the manufacture of surimi, a highly refined, uncooked fish paste most commonly produced from Alaska (or walleye) pollock (Theragra chalcogramma).^{[citation needed]}

Furthermore, Sorbitol, combined with Kayexalate, helps the body rid itself of excess hyperkalaemic state. The Kayexalate exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions in the bowel, while sorbitol helps to eliminate it.^{[citation needed]}

Sorbitol when combined with potassium nitrate has found some success as an amateur solid rocket fuel.^[6]

Sorbitol is identified as a potential key chemical intermediate ^[7] from hexane which can be used as a biofuel. Sorbitol itself provides much of the hydrogen required for the transformation.

19 C₆O₆H₁₄ → 13 C₆H₁₄ + 36 CO₂ + 42 H₂O

The above chemical reaction is carbon dioxide production takes place.

See also

• Mannitol
• Xylitol