Chewing Gum Overload: Laxative Effects

Chewing gum is generally considered safe, but some types of gum contain small amounts of controversial ingredients. Sugar-free gum, for example, often contains sweeteners like sorbitol, which acts as a laxative and can cause digestive issues like bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea when consumed in large amounts. In rare cases, excessive sorbitol intake has been linked to severe weight loss. While the exact amount of gum that could trigger these issues is unclear, it's generally agreed that chewing more than one pack of sugar-free gum per day (20-22.5g of sorbitol) could lead to adverse effects.

Sugar-free gum contains sweeteners like sorbitol, a laxative

Sugar-free gum often contains sweeteners like sorbitol, which is a laxative. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that the human body metabolises slowly. It is commonly found in sugar-free gum, as well as in diet drinks, dried fruit, and sugarless candy. It is also used as a non-stimulant laxative to treat constipation.

As a laxative, sorbitol works by drawing water into the large intestine, stimulating bowel movements. It can cause osmotic diarrhoea, a type that can only be alleviated by fasting. Consuming 20 grams of sorbitol per day could lead to diarrhoea. This amount is equivalent to chewing more than one pack of sugar-free gum per day. For context, a stick of gum typically contains around 1.25 grams of sorbitol, and there are usually 16 to 18 sticks per pack.

The effects of sorbitol vary from person to person, and some individuals are more sensitive to it than others. It can cause digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. However, sorbitol-related digestive issues typically resolve when consumption of the ingredient is stopped.

If you are experiencing unexplained digestive issues such as gas, bloating, cramps, or diarrhoea, it is recommended to cut out sorbitol to see if it makes a difference. People who are chronically bloated should avoid chewing gum altogether, as it causes them to swallow extra air.

In addition to its use as a laxative, sorbitol is also used in saliva substitutes to relieve dry mouth and during transurethral prostatectomy as a urinary bladder wash. It has been approved by the FDA and is generally safe for use, although it should be used cautiously by nursing mothers.

Sorbitol is poorly absorbed by the small intestine, acting as an osmotic agent

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is poorly absorbed by the small intestine. This means that it passes through the small intestine and into the large intestine, where it can have a laxative effect.

Sorbitol is only very slowly metabolised by the body. It is commonly used as a sweetener in sugar-free chewing gum, as well as in other sugar-free foods and drinks, and in some medications. It is also found naturally in some fruits and berries.

Because sorbitol is poorly absorbed by the small intestine, it acts as an osmotic agent in the body. This means that it draws water into the large intestine, stimulating bowel movements and having a laxative effect. Consuming relatively small amounts of sorbitol can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps. Higher doses can lead to osmotic diarrhoea.

The laxative effects of sorbitol vary from person to person. Some people are more sensitive to it than others. However, consuming 20 grams of sorbitol per day could cause diarrhoea in about half of people. This is equivalent to one pack of sugar-free gum per day, which typically contains around 20 to 22.5 grams of sorbitol.

The effects of sorbitol are dose-dependent. Ingesting between 5 and 20 grams of sorbitol per day can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps. Consuming more than 20 grams per day can lead to osmotic diarrhoea.

It's important to note that sorbitol-related digestive issues are usually resolved when someone stops consuming it. If you experience any negative side effects from consuming sorbitol, it is recommended to cut it out of your diet to see if your symptoms improve.

Ingesting 20g of sorbitol per day can cause diarrhoea

Ingesting 20 grams of sorbitol per day can cause diarrhoea. This amount of sorbitol intake can lead to what is known as osmotic diarrhoea, which can only be alleviated through fasting. Sorbitol is a common ingredient in sugar-free gum, with a typical stick of Trident gum containing approximately 1.25 grams of sorbitol. This means that chewing more than one pack of gum per day could lead to digestive issues.

Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol that is often used as a sweetener in sugar-free foods and commercial artificial sweeteners. It is also found naturally in some fruits, such as apples, apricots, and peaches. In addition to gum, sorbitol can be found in diet drinks, dried fruit, and sugarless candy.

The effects of sorbitol vary from person to person, and some individuals are more sensitive to it than others. While it is not harmful for everyone, those who are chronically bloated should avoid chewing gum as it causes them to swallow extra air. Additionally, sorbitol-related digestive issues typically resolve when consumption of the ingredient is stopped.

It is important to note that sorbitol can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps in a dose-dependent manner. Ingesting 5 to 20 grams of sorbitol can lead to these symptoms, while higher doses of 20 to 50 grams may result in diarrhoea. In some cases, sorbitol intake has been linked to significant weight loss, with one patient experiencing a 22-kilogram weight loss over one year.

Sugar-free gum can cause digestive distress and diarrhoea

In addition to sorbitol, other sugar alcohols such as xylitol and mannitol can also have a laxative effect when consumed in large amounts. These sugar alcohols are commonly used as sweeteners in sugar-free gum and other food products. While they are generally recognised as safe by regulatory bodies, excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea.

The impact of sorbitol on digestive health has been demonstrated in several case studies. One case involved a 21-year-old woman who experienced diarrhoea and abdominal pain for eight months. After extensive investigations, it was found that she was chewing large amounts of sugar-free gum, resulting in a daily sorbitol intake of 18-20 grams. Another case involved a 46-year-old man who experienced similar symptoms and was consuming approximately 30 grams of sorbitol per day from both sugar-free gum and sweets. In both cases, the diarrhoea and weight loss subsided when they stopped consuming sorbitol.

It is important to note that not everyone experiences digestive issues from sorbitol or other sugar alcohols. Individual sensitivity varies, and some people can tolerate higher amounts without any adverse effects. However, for those who are sensitive, even small amounts of sorbitol can trigger digestive distress. If you experience unexplained gas, bloating, cramps, or diarrhoea, it is recommended to cut out sorbitol-containing products to see if it makes a difference.

Additionally, people who are chronically bloated should avoid chewing gum altogether, as it causes them to swallow extra air, which can exacerbate digestive issues. For individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sugar-free gum can also be problematic due to the presence of FODMAPs, which are known to cause digestive problems for this population.

Sorbitol-related digestive issues are resolved when someone stops consuming it

Sorbitol, a polyalcohol sugar, is a common ingredient in sugar-free gum. It is a sweetener found naturally in some fruits, such as apples and pears, or produced commercially as an artificial sweetener.

Sorbitol can cause digestive issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition where diarrhoea is a common symptom. Consuming 20 grams of sorbitol per day could lead to diarrhoea, according to a 2019 case study. This is equivalent to about a pack of sugar-free gum, which typically contains 20 to 22.5 grams of sorbitol.

Sorbitol acts as a laxative and can cause bloating and diarrhoea. It can also cause osmotic diarrhoea, which can only be alleviated by fasting. However, it is important to note that sorbitol affects everyone differently, and some people may be more sensitive to it than others.

Sorbitol-related digestive issues are typically resolved when someone stops consuming the ingredient. This was demonstrated in two patient case studies, where both patients experienced normal bowel movements and weight gain after stopping their sorbitol intake. Therefore, if you experience any digestive issues such as unexplained gas, bloating, cramps, or diarrhoea, it is recommended to cut off sorbitol to see if your symptoms improve.

Frequently asked questions