How about sorbitol as a sweetener?

Sorbitol English sorbitol, also known as D-sorbitol, CAS NO.50-70-4, E420, and D-glucitol, is a carbohydrate. It belongs to a type of sugar alcohol called polyols.  This water-soluble compound occurs naturally in some fruits, including apples, apricots, dates, berries, peaches, plums, and figs.  Sorbitol is also commonly extracted from corn syrup and used in commercially packaged foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.  Sorbitol is used to retain moisture, as a sweetener and thickener, and is sometimes used to aid digestion and maintain oral health. 

Sorbitol's Common Benefits and Uses 

Sugar alcohols are widely used in food and beverages to replace traditional sugar to reduce their calorie content. Sorbitol has only two-thirds of the calories of ordinary table sugar and can achieve about 60% of the sweetness. 

In addition, sorbitol is not fully digested in the small intestine, and the remaining compound travels to the large intestine, where it is fermented, or broken down by bacteria, reducing the number of calories absorbed. 

Second, sorbitol is also often added to foods for diabetics because it has very little effect on blood sugar levels compared to traditional sweeteners such as table sugar. 

Plus, unlike table sugar, sugar alcohols like sorbitol don't contribute to the formation of cavities, which is why they're often used to sweeten sugar-free gum and liquid medicines. 

The U.S. 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 reduced the risk of tooth decay compared with table sugar, although not to the same extent as other sugar alcohols. 

Finally, sorbitol is also used alone as a laxative to combat constipation. It is hypertonic, which means it draws water from surrounding tissues into the colon to promote bowel movement. It is available without a prescription in some grocery stores and drug stores. 

The Effect of Sorbitol 

Application in the food industry Sorbitol is hygroscopic, so adding sorbitol to food can prevent food from cracking and keep food fresh and soft. It has an obvious effect when used in breadcakes.  The sweetness of sorbitol is lower than that of sucrose, and it is not used by some bacteria. It is a good raw material for the production of local sweet candies, and it is also an important raw material for the production of sugar-free candies. It can be processed into various anti-caries foods. It can be used to produce sugar-free food, diet food, anti-constipation food, anti-cavity food, food for diabetics, etc.  Sorbitol does not contain aldehyde groups, is not easily oxidized, and does not produce Maillard reactions with amino acids when heated. It has certain physiological activities and can prevent the denaturation of carotenoids, edible fat, and protein. Sorbitol has excellent freshness, fragrance, color, and moisture retention properties, and is known as a "glycerin substitute". 

Application in Food 

Sorbitol has a cool sweet taste, its sweetness is equivalent to 60% sucrose, has the same caloric value as sugar, and is metabolized slower than sugar, most of which is converted into fructose in the liver, which will not cause diabetes. In ice cream, chocolate, and chewing gum, using sorbitol instead of sugar can have a weight loss effect.  

It can be used as a raw material for the production of vitamin C. Vitamin C can be obtained from sorbitol through fermentation and chemical synthesis. The toothpaste industry has begun to use sorbitol instead of glycerin, generally adding 16%. 

In the production of baked food, sorbitol has moisturizing and fresh-keeping effects, thereby prolonging the shelf life of food.

In addition, sorbitol can also be used as a starch stabilizer and fruit moisture regulator, flavor-preserving agent, antioxidant, and fresh-keeping agent. It is also commonly used as sugar-free chewing gum, wine flavoring agent, and food sweetener for diabetic patients. 

Sorbitol Side Effects and Preventive Measures 

Consuming large amounts of sorbitol or other sugar alcohols can cause bloating and diarrhea in some people, especially in people who are not used to consuming it regularly. But for people who want to use it to improve bowel movements, sorbitol is an ideal choice. 

Fortunately, other side effects of sorbitol appear to be uncommon, with the most commonly reported side effect being diarrhea, but it may be accompanied by abdominal cramping or nausea.  However, while some laxatives are prone to dependence and should not be used for prolonged periods, sorbitol is considered a lower-risk, non-stimulant laxative. However, considering that it promotes intestinal activity by sucking liquid into the intestinal tract, it should be followed as directed and not abused.  Sorbitol has potential side effects but has been reviewed as safe by many global health agencies including the FDA, the Joint FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)Trusted Source, and the European Union