E420 – Sorbitols

Description

Polyhydric alcohol (sugar alcohol) produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of glucose

Risks

Notes

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that's made by taking regular glucose (a simple sugar) and chemically modifying it through a process called catalytic hydrogenation - essentially adding hydrogen atoms to change its structure. While this sounds very technical, sorbitol actually occurs naturally in many fruits like apples, pears, and berries, though the commercial version is produced synthetically for consistency and cost-effectiveness. As a sweetener, sorbitol provides about 60% of the sweetness of regular sugar but with fewer calories per gram. You'll commonly find it in sugar-free gum, diabetic-friendly candies, diet foods, and some medications where it also helps maintain moisture and provides a pleasant mouthfeel. Unlike regular sugar, it doesn't contribute to tooth decay, which is why it's popular in chewing gum and oral care products. Sorbitol is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and meets religious dietary requirements. However, there's an important digestive consideration: consuming large amounts can have a laxative effect because our bodies don't fully absorb it. This is why products containing significant amounts often carry a warning about potential digestive effects. For most people, normal consumption levels in processed foods don't cause issues, but it's worth being aware of if you're sensitive to sugar alcohols.