- Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol (polyol) commonly used as a sweetener, humectant, and texturizer in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.
- Chemically, it is a hexitol—a six-carbon sugar alcohol—with the molecular formula C₆H₁₄O₆. It occurs naturally in many fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, and prunes, but it is also commercially produced through the hydrogenation of glucose. Sorbitol is about 60% as sweet as sucrose (table sugar) and has fewer calories, providing approximately 2.6 kcal/g compared to sucrose’s 4 kcal/g, making it a popular sugar substitute in low-calorie and sugar-free products.
- In the food industry, sorbitol is widely used for its sweetening and moisture-retaining properties. It helps to preserve freshness and extend shelf life in products such as sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods, and ice cream. Its ability to retain moisture makes it particularly valuable in preventing products from drying out. Additionally, because sorbitol is metabolized more slowly than regular sugars and has a low glycemic index, it is commonly included in foods formulated for diabetics. However, excessive consumption of sorbitol can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea, due to its incomplete absorption in the small intestine and fermentation by bacteria in the colon.
- In pharmaceuticals, sorbitol serves multiple roles. It is used as a sweetening agent in syrups, lozenges, and chewable tablets, where it improves taste without contributing to tooth decay. It is also utilized as a carrier or stabilizer in various liquid medications and as a laxative in certain oral or rectal formulations due to its osmotic effects in the colon, drawing water into the intestines to stimulate bowel movements. Sorbitol is considered safe by major health authorities such as the U.S. FDA and the European Food Safety Authority, though its use is regulated to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- In the cosmetics and personal care industry, sorbitol is valued for its moisturizing and smoothing properties. It acts as a humectant, drawing water into the skin, and is commonly found in products such as lotions, creams, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. Its non-volatile, non-irritating nature makes it suitable for sensitive formulations, and it contributes to a pleasant texture and stability in emulsions and gels.
- From a biochemical standpoint, sorbitol also plays a role in human metabolism. It is produced in small amounts in the body from glucose via the polyol pathway. However, in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels can lead to excessive sorbitol accumulation in certain tissues, such as the eyes and nerves, contributing to diabetic complications like cataracts and neuropathy.
