Haribo Sugar-Free: Laxative Effects And How They Work

Haribo sugarless gummy bears have become notorious for their laxative effects, with Amazon reviewers reporting calamitous flatulence, sudden bowel evacuation, and violent diarrhoea. The cause of these unpleasant side effects is maltitol, a sugar alcohol and common sugar substitute. Maltitol is difficult for the body to digest and can lead to a build-up of gas and a rush of water into the intestines, resulting in the urgent need to use the bathroom. While sugar alcohols like maltitol are prescribed by doctors as laxatives, the unexpected and intense effects of Haribo sugarless gummy bears have led to the product's discontinuation.

Haribo sugar-free gummy bears contain maltitol, a sugar alcohol that acts as a laxative

Haribo sugar-free gummy bears were once a popular treat, but they have since been discontinued. The product gained notoriety for its powerful laxative effect, with numerous Amazon reviews detailing the candy's explosive impact on the digestive system.

The key ingredient responsible for this effect is maltitol, a sugar alcohol that serves as a sugar alternative. Maltitol is derived from plants and altered in a lab to change its chemical structure. While it offers benefits such as being almost as sweet as sugar, non-carcinogenic, and safe for diabetics, it also has a downside—it's difficult for the human body to digest.

The process of digesting maltitol can lead to some unpleasant side effects. As an indigestible sugar, it draws water into the digestive tract through osmosis, which can result in diarrhoea. Additionally, maltitol gets partially broken down into molecules like acetate and butyrate, which serve as food for gut bacteria, leading to increased gas production and, consequently, bloating and flatulence.

The laxative effect of Haribo sugar-free gummy bears is so potent that it only takes around 15 to 20 bears to cause these undesirable side effects. This is because maltitol is a sugar alcohol, and sugar alcohols are prescribed by doctors as osmotic laxatives. For children, as few as 25 grams of maltitol can act as a laxative, while for adults, the threshold is 40 grams.

While the sugar-free gummy bears may have provided a tasty treat for some, the powerful and often unexpected laxative effect caught many consumers off guard, leading to a range of humorous and horror-filled stories shared in online reviews.

Maltitol is difficult to digest and can cause stomach pain, flatulence, and diarrhoea

Maltitol is a sugar alcohol and artificial sweetener that is often used as a sugar substitute. It is commonly found in sugar-free products like baked goods, chewing gum, candies, and even medications. While maltitol has its benefits, such as fewer calories than sugar and a reduced impact on blood glucose levels, it also has some unpleasant side effects.

The severity of these side effects depends on the amount of maltitol consumed and individual sensitivity. For children, as little as 25 grams of maltitol can act as a laxative, while 40 grams is the threshold for adults. It's important to note that sugar-free products often contain higher amounts of maltitol, and consuming too much can lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal experiences.

To avoid these side effects, it is recommended to consume maltitol in moderation and be mindful of the amount present in sugar-free products. For those with sensitive guts or digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, it may be best to avoid maltitol altogether and opt for alternative natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.

The recommended dose for a laxative effect is 25g for children and 40g for adults

Haribo sugarless gummy bears contain maltitol, which is why they have such a powerful laxative effect. The product has received numerous reviews on Amazon describing the laxative effect it had on the digestive systems of consumers in harrowingly forensic detail. One review states that after eating 20 bears, "What came out of me felt like someone tried to funnel Niagara Falls through a coffee straw". Another review mentions that they "spent their whole dinner on the toilet and nothing but water [was] coming out".

The sugarless gummy bears are no longer on the market. However, it is important to note that sugar alcohols like maltitol are prescribed by doctors to help people poop. They are called osmotic laxatives. A 2002 study found that 40 grams of Lycasin, a product that contains maltitol, is enough to induce a laxative effect in adults.

Haribo included a warning on the sugar-free bears about potential unpleasant side effects

Haribo's sugar-free gummy bears have been discontinued after consumers reported experiencing unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. The product contained maltitol, a sugar alcohol and low-calorie sweetener derived from plants. While maltitol is beneficial for oral health as oral bacteria cannot digest it, it can cause digestive issues.

Maltitol is difficult for the body to digest and can take a long time to be partially broken down in the stomach. The unabsorbed maltitol in the intestines draws water into the digestive tract through osmosis, leading to diarrhoea. Additionally, maltitol is broken down into molecules like acetate and butyrate, which serve as food for gut bacteria, resulting in bloating and flatulence.

Haribo included a warning on the sugar-free bears, cautioning that some individuals may experience unpleasant side effects. The product description also mentioned the potential for intestinal distress if consumed in excess. Despite these warnings, numerous Amazon reviews detailed the harrowing gastrointestinal consequences of consuming the sugar-free gummy bears. Consumers reported intense cramping, bloating, flatulence, and severe diarrhoea.

The side effects of Haribo's sugar-free gummy bears can be attributed to the high content of maltitol, which acts as a laxative. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers lycasin, of which maltitol is the main ingredient, to be a safe food additive, recommending a limit of 100 grams per day. However, as little as 25 grams of maltitol can act as a laxative for children, while 40 grams can have a similar effect on adults.

The product was discontinued after stories of its effects went viral

Haribo's sugar-free gummy bears were discontinued in the United States and Canada due to the product's extreme laxative effects. The bears contained a sugar alcohol called Lycasin, derived from wheat or corn, which is difficult for the human body to digest. Consuming large amounts of Lycasin can cause an osmotic effect, drawing water into the intestines and leading to significant diarrhea. While the product was initially met with enthusiasm from consumers who wanted to enjoy the taste of Haribo gummy bears without the high sugar content, it wasn't long before negative reviews began to pour in.

Amazon reviewers reported devastating gastrointestinal side effects, including painful bloating, violent diarrhea, horrible cramping, and urgent trips to the restroom. The negative reviews gained national attention, with headlines such as "Sugarless Gummy Bears Are Not Safe for Humans". This intense backlash caused a public relations nightmare for Haribo, who initially tried to brush off the complaints as an "Internet phenomenon". However, as the negative reviews and media coverage continued, the company was forced to take action.

Just a couple of months after the product's launch in the US, Haribo issued an apology and announced they were pulling the sugar-free gummy bears from the American and Canadian markets. In their statement, the company acknowledged the unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects experienced by some consumers and attributed the problems to individual sensitivity to the product. Despite the controversy, Haribo did not face any lawsuits over the impacts of their sugar-free gummy bears. The product remains available in some other countries, although it now includes warnings about possible laxative effects from over-consumption.

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