Sugar-free gummy bears have become somewhat infamous for their laxative effects. Amazon reviews for sugar-free Haribo gummy bears have described the product as causing gastrointestinal armageddon, with one customer claiming that the product should be outlawed or used as a military weapon.
The cause of this intense reaction is lycasin, a hydrogenated syrup that is the first and most prevalent ingredient in the sugar-free variety. Lycasin consists mainly of maltitol, a sugar alcohol that is difficult for the body to digest and can cause bloating, flatulence, loose stools, and tummy-rumbling.
Despite the product's warning label, many consumers have been caught off guard by the strength of the laxative effect. As a result, the product has been discontinued.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Weight of the bag | 5lb |
Main ingredient | Lycasin |
Composition of Lycasin | Maltitol, a sugar alcohol |
Calories | Same as regular Haribo gummy bears |
Side effects | Cramps, sweating, bloating, flatulence, loose stools, tummy rumbling, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting |
Warning label | "This product is a sugarless/sugar-free item with ingredients that can cause intestinal distress if eaten in excess." |
What You'll Learn
- The sugar-free gummy bears contain lycasin, a hydrogenated syrup
- The human body cannot fully digest lycasin, which can cause bloating, flatulence, loose stools, and tummy rumbling
- Excessive consumption of lycasin can lead to an increased frequency of bowel movements and watery faeces
- The sugar-free gummy bears were discontinued due to negative reviews
- The COO of Haribo has stated that they do not offer sugar-free products as they can act like a laxative
The sugar-free gummy bears contain lycasin, a hydrogenated syrup
Maltitol is made in labs from the sugar maltose, which consists of two rings of oxygen and carbon atoms. To make a sugar alcohol, one of these rings is broken apart. While the remaining ring still activates our taste buds' sweet sensors, the broken ring passes through the digestive system mostly untouched. This means fewer calories but also some unpleasant side effects.
The side effects of consuming lycasin include bloating, flatulence, loose stools, and borborygmi (tummy-rumbling). In clinical studies, adults who consumed 40 grams of lycasin experienced an increased frequency of bowel movements and watery stools.
The sugar-free gummy bears in question come in 5-pound bags, which is more than enough to cause intestinal distress. Amazon reviews for these products describe intense cramping, calamitous flatulence, and sudden bowel evacuation. Some people even compared the experience to "gastrointestinal armageddon".
It is important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers lycasin a safe food additive and recommends limiting consumption to 100 grams per day. Haribo included a warning on their sugar-free gummy bears that excessive consumption may cause unpleasant side effects.
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The human body cannot fully digest lycasin, which can cause bloating, flatulence, loose stools, and tummy rumbling
The human body cannot fully digest lycasin, which is the main ingredient in sugar-free gummy bears. Lycasin is a hydrogenated glucose syrup, consisting mainly of maltitol, a sugar alcohol. Maltitol is great for your teeth as it doesn't cause cavities, but our bodies struggle to digest it, so it ferments in the gut. This can lead to some unpleasant side effects.
The known side effects of consuming large amounts of lycasin are bloating, flatulence, loose stools, and borborygmi, or tummy rumbling. In clinical studies, adults who consumed 40 grams of lycasin experienced an increased frequency of bowel movements and watery stools.
The sugar-free gummy bears in question are sold in large, 5-pound bags. Consuming a significant number of these sugar-free treats can lead to what has been described as "gastrointestinal armageddon". Many consumers have reported experiencing calamitous flatulence and sudden, violent bowel evacuations after eating these sugar-free gummy bears.
The product description for these sugar-free gummy bears does include a warning, stating that they "can cause intestinal distress if eaten in excess". However, this warning may be understated, given the extreme reactions that many people have reported.
While the substance is considered safe to eat, it is clear that consuming large quantities of lycasin can lead to some very uncomfortable digestive issues.
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Excessive consumption of lycasin can lead to an increased frequency of bowel movements and watery faeces
Sugar-free gummy bears are known to have a laxative effect, as evidenced by numerous reviews on Amazon. While they are delicious and low in calories, consuming too many can lead to some uncomfortable side effects. The product in question has since been discontinued.
The sugar-free gummy bears contain a sugar substitute called lycasin. Excessive consumption of lycasin can lead to an increased frequency of bowel movements and watery faeces. This is because lycasin is a sugar alcohol, which the human body struggles to absorb. When consumed in large quantities, it can cause diarrhoea and other digestive issues.
In addition to the laxative effect, some reviewers have also reported experiencing stomach pain, bloating, and flatulence after consuming the sugar-free gummy bears. The intensity and duration of these side effects seem to vary among individuals, but the consensus is that they are unpleasant and disruptive.
It is important to note that the laxative effect of sugar-free gummy bears is not unique to the Haribo brand. Other brands of sugar-free gummy candies have also been reported to have similar effects. Consumers should always read the product labels and be mindful of the potential side effects of excessive consumption.
While the sugar-free option may be tempting for those watching their sugar intake, it is clear that moderation is key to avoiding any unpleasant digestive issues.
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The sugar-free gummy bears were discontinued due to negative reviews
Reviews of the product went viral, with consumers reporting intense stomach problems and describing the product as nuclear and apocalyptic. One reviewer stated that the product should be ""outlawed or used as a military weapon". Another review mentioned that the product caused "cramps, sweating, and bloating".
The negative reviews were so widespread that the product was eventually discontinued entirely. It is important to note that the product did include a warning label stating that it could cause "intestinal distress if eaten in excess". However, many consumers did not read this label before consuming the product.
In addition to the gastrointestinal issues, some reviewers also found the product to be misleading. One reviewer pointed out that the sugar-free gummy bears had the same number of calories as the regular Haribo gummy bears. Another reviewer claimed that the product was never actually a Haribo product, as Haribo's customer service confirmed that they do not offer any sugar-free products.
The sugar-free gummy bears were intended to be a delicious and low-calorie treat. However, due to the intense side effects experienced by consumers, the product was ultimately discontinued as a result of the negative reviews.
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The COO of Haribo has stated that they do not offer sugar-free products as they can act like a laxative
The COO of Haribo has stated that they do not offer sugar-free products as they can act as a laxative. This statement comes in response to numerous reports of consumers experiencing gastrointestinal issues after consuming the sugar-free version of their popular gummy bears.
The sugar-free gummy bears in question contained lycasin, a sugar alcohol with maltitol as its main ingredient. Maltitol is a popular replacement for table sugar as it is almost as sweet, forms granular crystals, and dissolves in water similarly to sucrose. However, maltitol has unpleasant side effects as it passes through the digestive system largely undigested.
The side effects of consuming maltitol-based products, such as the sugar-free Haribo gummy bears, can include intense cramping, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea. These side effects are caused by the indigestible parts of maltitol drawing water into the digestive tract, leading to increased bowel movements. Additionally, the bacteria in the gut break down maltitol into compounds like acetate and butyrate, which can contribute to gas and bloating.
The COO of Haribo acknowledged the potential health risks associated with the sugar-free version of their product and made the decision to discontinue it. This decision was likely influenced by the numerous negative reviews and reports of unpleasant experiences shared by consumers. The company now includes a warning on their sugar-free products, stating that some individuals may experience adverse side effects.
While sugar-free products can offer a reduced-calorie alternative to their sugary counterparts, it is essential to consider the potential impact on digestive health. In the case of Haribo's sugar-free gummy bears, the side effects were significant enough to warrant discontinuing the product and issuing a warning to consumers. As such, the COO's statement highlights the company's commitment to prioritizing consumer safety and well-being over offering a sugar-free option.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, sugar-free Haribo gummy bears can cause "gastrointestinal armageddon". The Amazon product description warns that the product "can cause intestinal distress if eaten in excess".
The first and most prevalent ingredient in the sugar-free variety is lycasin, a hydrogenated syrup. Lycasin consists mainly of maltitol, a sugar alcohol that is hard for the body to digest and can cause fermentation in the gut.
Excessive consumption of lycasin can cause bloating, flatulence, loose stools, tummy-rumbling, and an increased frequency of bowel movements.
In clinical studies, adults who consumed 40 grams of lycasin experienced negative side effects. A 5-pound bag of sugar-free Haribo gummy bears contains 2,267 grams of lycasin.
Sugar-free gummy bears are delicious, low in calories, and do not cause cavities.