What Is a Sorbitol Solution?

The name "sorbitol" comes from Sorbus, the traditional scientific genus of such trees as the mountain ash and the serviceberry. Sorbitol occurs in the berries of these trees, as well as seaweed and fruits like the plum. It also can be made synthetically.

Chemical Structure

• Sorbitol belongs to a class of compounds called polyols. A polyol is an alcohol that has several hydroxyl (-OH) groups in its structure. The sorbitol molecule consists of a chain of six carbon atoms with one hydroxyl group attached to each carbon atom.

Characteristics and Uses

• Sorbitol dissolves in water. A sorbitol solution has a sweet taste and a syrupy texture, although sugar is twice as sweet. Sorbitol serves as a source of energy when ingested, and substitutes for sugar in many food products. Adhesives, toothpastes and cosmetics sometimes employ sorbitol as an ingredient.

Medical Properties

• When a constipation sufferer ingests sorbitol, much of it reaches the colon. Sorbitol is a humectant, a substance that absorbs water. It relieves constipation by drawing water into the colon, but if too much is ingested, it can cause diarrhea. Since sugar-free foods often contain sorbitol, this may prove to be a problem for diabetics if they consume it to excess.