Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol and a type of sweetener that is often used as a sugar substitute. It is naturally found in some fruits and vegetables but can also be produced synthetically. Here are some details about sorbitol:
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Products and Herbal medicines: Sorbitol is commonly used in sugar-free and low-calorie products such as chewing gum, candy, and baked goods. It is also used as a thickener and stabilizer in some medications and cosmetics.
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Health benefits: Sorbitol is lower in calories than sugar and has a lower glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. It can also help prevent tooth decay because it doesn’t promote the growth of oral bacteria. Sorbitol has a mild laxative effect, which can help relieve constipation.
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Diseases: Sorbitol may be helpful for people with diabetes because it doesn’t cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. It may also be useful for people with constipation because of its mildly laxative effect.
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Calories: Sorbitol contains about 2.6 calories per gram, so a serving of 50 grams would contain about 130 calories.
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Nutrients: Sorbitol doesn’t provide any significant nutrients, but it is lower in calories than sugar and may have some health benefits.