Altoids: The Surprising Laxative?

Altoids are a brand of mints that come in a variety of flavours, including wintergreen, strawberry, and peppermint. While they are marketed as breath mints, some consumers have reported experiencing diarrhoea after consuming them. This side effect is likely due to the presence of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol used as an artificial sweetener in sugar-free foods and gums. Sorbitol can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, distension, and stomach unrest, especially in individuals who lack the ability to digest it properly. As such, it is important to consume Altoids and other sugar-free products in moderation to avoid any potential digestive issues.

Altoids contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause diarrhoea

The amount of sorbitol consumed can also affect the likelihood of experiencing diarrhoea. Studies have shown that consuming 10 grams or more of sorbitol per day can increase the risk of unwanted side effects, such as diarrhoea. Additionally, the FDA requires that labels on foods containing sorbitol include a warning about the potential laxative effect if consumption exceeds 50 grams per day.

It's important to note that not everyone will experience diarrhoea from consuming sorbitol. Individual susceptibility to sorbitol-induced diarrhoea varies, and gut bacteria may play a role in suppressing its effects. Certain types of gut bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, can degrade sorbitol and reduce the risk of diarrhoea.

While sorbitol can have laxative effects, it is generally considered a lower-risk option compared to other laxatives. It is recognised as safe to consume by global health authorities and is often used to relieve constipation. However, consuming large amounts of sorbitol can still lead to diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage instructions on product labels.

Sorbitol is a common ingredient in sugar-free gum and candy

Today, sorbitol is often used as a sweetener in sugar-free chewing gum and other low-calorie sweets. It is naturally occurring in a wide variety of fruits and berries, including pears, plums, cherries, dates, apricots, peaches, and apples. However, excessive consumption of sorbitol has been linked to digestive issues such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

For example, a case study published in the British Medical Journal reported that two patients experienced severe weight loss due to excessive sorbitol consumption. The 21-year-old female patient ingested 18-20 grams of sorbitol per day, while the 46-year-old male patient consumed around 30 grams per day. Both patients also experienced chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. After starting a sorbitol-free diet, their symptoms resolved, and they returned to normal weight.

Another case mentioned a person who experienced "major intestinal distress" after consuming a significant number of mints containing sorbitol. They initially attributed their symptoms to food poisoning but later realized that the large amount of sorbitol in the mints was the likely culprit.

While sorbitol can be beneficial for dental health and is safer for teeth than sugar, excessive consumption can lead to negative side effects. It is important to be cautious when consuming products containing sorbitol, especially for children, who may unknowingly over-consume these products and experience tummy troubles.

Sorbitol is also used by doctors as a laxative

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is used as a sweetener in many packaged foods, beverages, and medications. It is also used as a laxative to treat constipation. It is commercially manufactured from corn syrup and can be naturally found in some fruits, including apples, apricots, dates, berries, peaches, plums, and figs.

Sorbitol is a hyperosmotic laxative, meaning it draws water into the colon from the surrounding tissues to promote bowel movements. It is available as a rectal enema or liquid solution and can be taken orally with or without food. It is considered a less risky, non-stimulative laxative compared to other habit-forming laxatives. However, consuming large amounts of sorbitol can cause side effects such as bloating, abdominal cramping, nausea, and diarrhea, especially for those who are not used to regularly consuming it.

Doctors recommend that sorbitol should not be used for longer than one week as a laxative unless directed otherwise. Prolonged use can lead to laxative dependence. It should also not be taken with calcium or sodium polystyrene sulfonate, which are used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, as it can cause an interaction that leads to intestinal tissue death.

Sorbitol is a widely used sugar alcohol for several reasons. Firstly, it is often used in place of traditional sugar to reduce the calorie content of foods and beverages. Secondly, it is added to foods marketed to people with diabetes as it has minimal effect on blood sugar levels compared to traditional sweeteners. Thirdly, it does not contribute to the formation of cavities, making it a common ingredient in sugar-free chewing gum and liquid medications.

Altoids can cause intestinal distress

A 50-mint tin of Altoids contains about 34 grams of Sorbitol, which is enough to cause intestinal distress. While the effects of Sorbitol are not universal, some people lack the ability to digest it. Our bodies are made to digest sugar, not fake sugar.

Consuming too much sorbitol can lead to bloating, distention, and unrest in the stomach. This is amplified when people eat more of a product than they would if it were a regular-calorie food, simply because it is labelled as sugar-free.

It's not just Sorbitol that can cause issues. Guar gum and xanthan gum, used as thickening agents and gluten replacements, can also cause bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea when consumed in large amounts.

Carrageenan, a thickening agent derived from seaweed and algae, may also be an issue for some. It has been shown to have a laxative effect on the body, as it pulls water into the intestine, making stool looser.

Too much vitamin C can also speed up how fast the stomach empties, causing cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.

So, while Altoids can cause intestinal distress, it is important to note that this is not a universal experience and depends on the individual's ability to digest certain ingredients.

Altoids are not suitable for people with IBS

While Altoids are not explicitly marketed as a laxative, they do contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe diarrhea. As such, it is not suitable for people with IBS.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that negatively affects quality of life and is often associated with a significant economic burden related to direct and indirect annual healthcare costs. People with IBS experience recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort relieved by defecation, a change in the frequency of stool, and a change in the form of stool. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it may be caused by disruptions in the communication between the brain and intestines.

Laxatives can be used to relieve constipation symptoms in people with IBS. However, stimulant laxatives, which are not meant for long-term use, can make abdominal pain and cramping from IBS worse. Instead, osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol and lactulose are recommended for people with IBS-C (IBS with constipation).

People with IBS should also be cautious when consuming products containing sorbitol, as it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. While sorbitol is not absorbed well by the body, it can still cause discomfort and diarrhea. As such, it is best for people with IBS to avoid consuming large amounts of sorbitol, including products that contain it, such as Altoids.

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