Typical dose
As a sweetener: typically 10-50g/day in divided...
Rating
0.0/5
Oral & topical
Oral safety: low
Skin safety: harmless
About this supplement
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) derived from glucose, widely used as a humectant, sweetener, texturizer, and stabilizer. It occurs naturally in some fruits like apples, pears, peaches, and prunes, but is typically produced industrially via hydrogenation of glucose. As a humectant, it helps retain moisture in products; as a sweetener, it provides about 60% of the sweetness of sucrose with fewer calories (2.6 kcal/g vs 4 kcal/g) and a lower glycemic impact. It is not metabolized by oral bacteria, making it non-cariogenic (tooth-friendly). In the body, it is absorbed slowly via passive diffusion in the small intestine and can exert an osmotic effect in the colon if consumed in large amounts.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- As a sweetener: typically 10-50g/day in divided doses. As a humectant in cosmetics: 0.5-5% in formulations. As a laxative: 20-50g as a single dose.
- Suggested range
- 10-50 g daily (oral, for sweetening); up to 150 g daily may be tolerated with gradual adaptation. Topical use: 0.5-5% w/w.
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Sorbitol
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
Sorbitol Crystalline Powder
Commonly used as a sugar-free sweetener, humectant, and texturizer.
Sorbitol ester
Sorbitol Granular
Low-calorie sweetener & humectant; may have a laxative effect in high doses.
Sorbitol Solution (70%)
Common humectant & sweetener; may cause digestive discomfort at high oral doses.
Technical details â–¼
Chemical ID (CAS)
50-70-4
Physical properties
White, hygroscopic crystalline powder or granules. Sweet, cool taste. Highly soluble in water (up to 83% w/w at 25°C), slightly soluble in ethanol. Melting point ~95°C. Viscous, clear, colorless syrups are also common forms.
How it’s made
Primarily produced industrially by catalytic hydrogenation of glucose (from corn, wheat, or potato starch) using nickel or ruthenium catalysts under high pressure and temperature. The resulting sorbitol solution is purified, concentrated, and may be crystallized.