What Symptoms does Sorbitol Intolerance cause?

In humans with Sorbitol Intolerance, the absorption capacity for sorbitol is even lower than it is naturally. The sorbitol migrates completely into the large intestine, where bacteria break down the molecule. The resulting gases lead to severe flatulence and abdominal cramps. Moreover, sorbitol has water-binding properties. This manifests itself as diarrhea.

Individuals with Sorbitol Intolerance experience symptoms that are also typical for other carbohydrate malabsorptions (such as Fructose Malabsorption or Lactose Intolerance) even in the smallest amounts:

  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

These symptoms usually occur half an hour to two hours after the consumption of sorbitol-containing foods.

Even in otherwise healthy individuals, larger quantities of sorbitol have a laxative effect due to the limited digestibility and the water-binding property of the sugar. For this reason, all sorbitol-containing products must bear a corresponding warning to the laxative effect.

Please see also:

What is Sorbitol Intolerance?

Diagnosing Sorbitol Intolerance

Therapy for Sorbitol Intolerance