Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a food supplement relating to the stabilizers added to food products to maintain the viscosity and texture thereof.

With such action comes pectin too. Sorbitol, also known in the food industry as E420, is used as an emulsifier, sweetener and retaining agent.

Sorbitol can be in the form of a syrup, powder of white colour, or a concentrated aqueous solution. It dissolves in water and has a pronounced sweet taste. Used as a substitute for sugar because it is substantially more sweet and lean thereof.

In its natural form, sorbitol is found in many fruits and plants. The fruit, in which it occurs, are mostly pears, apples, plums and peaches.

Sorbitol in cooking

Sorbitol has been widely used in the food industry. The largest application of it is found in confectionery and in the preparation of foods.

It is used in chewing gum, sugar candy, dried fruits, cakes, pastries and sweets. It is also used as a substitute for sugar in diabetic patients. Sorbitol is used in desserts and the like, which come on the basis of water, flavoured, with reduced or with no added sugar. It is found in milk and dairy products.

Sorbitol is a moisturizer that is also used in the meat industry. It is a structural support provider that improves product consistency, good emulsifier, helps mix products and substances which in other circumstances could not be mixed, not least of all, sorbitol is a stabilizing agent that preserves the structure and form of the products.

Safe amounts of sorbitol

In the U.S., there is a requirement for products containing sorbiol to have warnings, provided that the manufacturer believes that the consumer would use more than 1.76 oz (50 grams) of sorbitol per day. However, even amounts below 1.76 oz (50 grams) per day can cause problems in some people.

In 1999, a petition was sent to the U.S. Administration for food and medicines to require such warnings labels on all products containing sorbitol, because negative events can be seen at 0.35 oz (10 g) per day.

Dangers of sorbitol

Sorbitol is used in pharmacology selectively, because it can change the properties of drugs /it is possible to provide toxic properties/. It is used for enemas and laxative effects. Use in individuals with constipation before diagnostic procedures or surgery of the colon is often seen.

The U.S. has seen concern that sorbitol is one of the substances hazardous to human health. When using large amounts of the additive, were observed certain symptoms, such as enhanced gasification and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. Intake of more than 1.76 oz (50 grams) of sorbitol is dangerous to humans.

Sortibol does not belong to the group of allergens, but may cause irritation of the mucous membranes in the body. It has been found that it negatively affects the visual organs.

With prolonged intake of this nutrient, diabetic retinopathy and damage to cellular functions in the body can even occur.

Hypersensitivity to sorbitol and gastrointestinal bleeding may be observed.

Sorbitol is banned for use in the production of baby food. An advantage of sorbitol is that can be used by diabetics, because it has almost no effect on blood glucose levels.

As is clear, dangers lurking in foods are seen even in dietary food without sugar, as they hide other health risks in the form of dangerous food additives.

Buying food with as little E's as possible, to a certain extent, can protect the body from the slow but dangerous action of these substances, which are proved to be harmful to your health.