Sorbitol: benefit and harm, application

Sorbitol, the benefit and harm of which will be discussed in this article, is also called glucitol. This 6-atom alcohol, which has a sweet taste, is registered as a food supplement E420. It is a crystalline solid white odorless substance .

Sorbitol: benefit and harm, properties

The substance has a pleasant taste and excellent solubility. Sorbitol in large quantities is contained in mountain ash. By the way, he received his Latin name from this plant. However, it is produced usually in an industrial way from corn starch.

Food sorbitol: benefit and harm

The substance is a natural sweetener, complexing agent, emulsifier, water-retaining agent, texturizer, color stabilizer and dispersant. Practically one hundred percent assimilated by the human body, and due to its beneficial differences from synthetic substances, it is considered the most nutritious substance among all sugar substitutes.

Sorbitol: benefit and harm, nutritional value

The sweetener has a caloric content of 4 kcal. It was found that taking this food supplement helps to normalize the metabolic processes of the body. Although sorbitol and has a pronounced sweetness, it does not belong to carbohydrates, so that people suffering from diabetes mellitus can safely eat it. This substance is able to maintain its properties even after heat treatment, so it is often successfully used in the manufacture of various dishes.

Sorbitol. Instructions for use

The substance is often used in the preparation of dietary products, chewing gums, various kinds of sweets. It can prevent premature drying and solidification of products, since it has the ability to draw moisture from the air (hygroscopicity). Sorbitol in pharmaceutics - filler and structurant in the manufacture of gelatin capsules, creams, pastes, ointments, vitamin preparations, cough syrups. It is also used in the production of ascorbic acid. Moreover, sorbitol, the use of which is diverse, is also used in the cosmetic industry as a hygroscopic substance (for the manufacture of toothpastes, creams, powders, masks, lotions, deodorants, shower gels, shampoos), as well as in leather, textile, paper, Tobacco and chemical industries.

Sorbitol can be called a laxative. When consuming more than 50 g of the substance, signs of flatulence may appear and a laxative effect appears. That is why in medicine this substance is a powerful remedy against constipation. Also, sorbitol, because of its non-toxicity, is used to treat alcohol poisoning. However, when consumed in excess of the normal, there may be increased gas production, diarrhea, stomach pain, exacerbation of irritable bowel syndrome and impaired absorption of fructose. Sorbitol in excess - harm to the body: can cause neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy.