Sorbitol intolerance is when the body cannot digest sorbitol, a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many sugar-free products. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Sorbitol is often found in sugar-free chewing gum, mints and candies, as well as in some diet foods and drinks. It is also naturally present in some fruits such as apples, pears and peaches. Although sorbitol is generally safe to consume, people with sorbitol intolerance may develop unpleasant symptoms after eating it.

What is sorbitol tolerance?

Sorbitol intolerance is a form of food intolerance that occurs when the body is unable to digest sorbitol. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is often used as a sweetener in sugar-free products. Unlike regular sugar, sorbitol is not easily absorbed by the body and can ferment in the intestines, causing uncomfortable digestive symptoms.

Symptoms of sorbitol intolerance

Symptoms of sorbitol intolerance can vary from person to person, but typically include the following:

- Flatulence

- Flatulence

- Abdominal pain

- Diarrhea

- Nausea

- Headache

These symptoms usually occur within a few hours of consuming foods or beverages containing sorbitol.

Diagnosis of sorbitol intolerance

If you are experiencing symptoms of sorbitol intolerance, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to rule out other underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend an elimination diet or a breath test to diagnose sorbitol intolerance.

Elimination Diet: An elimination diet involves eliminating sorbitol-containing foods and beverages from your diet for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve. If your symptoms improve during the elimination phase and return when you reintroduce sorbitol, you probably have sorbitol intolerance.

Breath test: In a breath test, you drink a sorbitol solution and then measure the levels of hydrogen gas and methane gas in your breath. If your body cannot digest sorbitol, it will ferment in your intestines and produce excess gas that can be detected in your breath.

Sorbitol intolerance treatment

The most effective treatment for sorbitol intolerance is to avoid foods and beverages containing sorbitol. This includes avoiding sugar-free gum, mints and candy, as well as some diet foods and drinks. It is also important to check food labels for sorbitol, as it is often used as a sweetener in processed foods.

If you are unable to avoid sorbitol-containing foods and beverages altogether, you may be able to tolerate small amounts of sorbitol without experiencing symptoms. Experiment with different foods and beverages to determine your tolerance level.

Outlook

Sorbitol intolerance is a common condition that can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms. If you experience symptoms of sorbitol tolerance, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to rule out other underlying conditions. Avoiding foods and beverages containing sorbitol can help manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

Download our TIOLI app for sorbitol intolerance to check if the products you eat are suitable for your low-histamine diet.




Note: The information on this page has been carefully researched, but we do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. If you have any health problems, please consult your doctor.
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Thomas and Michaela are researchers, visionaries, discoverers, encouragers, health consultants and founders of Histaminikus. Their Histaminikus products are developed and lovingly produced according to their own recipes especially for people with intolerances. Their mission, together with their fantastic team, is to develop delicious foods according to their own recipes that are not only low in histamine and gluten-free, but also taste really delicious.

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