How Does It Cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Firstly, undigested sorbitol in the small intestine acts as a substrate (platform) for the fermentation of bacteria. Hydrogen gas is produced causing abdominal cramps, bloating and severe flatulence. These are also common symptoms of food intolerance, more info Food Intolerance Secondly, we already know sorbitol in quantities as low as 10g per day causes diarrhea – brought on by the so-called osmotic purge happening in the gut. Sorbitol is a polyalcohol sugar and is neither digested nor absorbed by the small intestine. It passes through to the colon where it drives an osmotic purge (2). This means it passes through the lining of the intestine causing fluids (mostly water) to pass through in the opposite direction via osmosis. Bowel motions become watery and lead to dehydration and over time, other consequences like malabsorption of nutrients. See Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Here at foodintol we are not concerned about the use of artificial sweeteners per se, just the dosages or amounts a
