What Are the Dangers of Sugar Alcohols?

Sugar alcohols are found in sweetener products. Food products such as sorbitol, mannitol, and isomalt contain sugar alcohols as well. Many sugar-free foods used by diabetics contain sugar alcohols. The calories of sugar alcohols are less than regular sugar and can reduce the amount of cavities and tooth decay. Consuming too many sugar alcohols can lead to several side effects. Some of the side effects of over ingestion of sugar alcohols are abdominal gas and diarrhea, otherwise known as a laxative effect.

Diarrhea

• In people with sensitive stomach, diarrhea is a common side effect of ingestion of sugar alcohols. Diarrhea occurs when too much artificial sweeteners are consumed.

Abdominal Gas

• Abdominal gas occurs with eating foods with too much sugar alcohols. The American Diabetic Association says that consuming 50 grams daily of sugar alcohols will lead to abdominal gas and diarrhea.

Bloating or Weight Gain

• People who consume too many sugar alcohols often over eat. Therefore a common side effect that occurs with ingestion of sugar alcohols is weight gain and excess bloating.