Sorbitol ester

Why You Need It

• Blood Sugar Control: Unlike regular sugar, Sorbitol is absorbed slowly, preventing sharp spikes in glucose.
• Dental Health: It does not ferment in the mouth, making it a tooth-friendly alternative to sucrose.
• Digestive Regularity: Its osmotic effect draws water into the intestines, acting as a mild stool softener.
• Calorie Reduction: It provides sweetness with about 60% fewer calories than table sugar.

Deep Dive

Sorbitol is naturally found in stone fruits like apricots and prunes. When you ingest it, it bypasses the rapid absorption pathway of glucose. This makes it a popular sweetener for 'sugar-free' products. However, because it isn't fully absorbed in the small intestine, it travels to the large intestine where bacteria ferment it. This fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids, which can be beneficial for gut lining, but the excess water it holds can also cause bloating if consumed in large amounts. It is often used therapeutically to treat constipation.

Natural Food Sources

Sorbitol is naturally present in many plant-based foods. Here are the richest sources:

Supplementation

Usage: As a supplement or sweetener, typical doses range from 5g to 15g per day, usually divided into three doses. Who should take it: It is often used by diabetics for sweetening foods or by individuals needing a mild, non-stimulant laxative. Food First: It is generally safer to obtain Sorbitol through whole fruits, as the fiber mitigates the laxative effect.