I was wondering if anyone has had digestive problems from the use of sorbitol that's used to sweeten diatetic gum and candy. Ever since I've been low carbing I have chewed a lot of sugar-free gum. I have had some real problems with digestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain. My stomach is a mess! After searching the web trying to figure out what I'm doing to cause this, I found some great articles from consumer reort groups about the side effects of sorbitol. Some groups even have asked the government to label all sugarfree products to warn consumers. I have sworn off sugarfree gum for now and I'm hoping to feel better soon.

Oh yes, yes, yes!
I have only to suck on a few sugar free lollies and I get the most horrible belly ache. Most food items with sorbitol I've seen in Australia carry a warning that states something like "this product can have a laxative effect." I don't get the diarrhoea but the pain is something else!
So no sugar free chewing gum or lollies for me either.

Language difference #453
American - candy
British - sweets
Aussie - lollies

Rosebud

If you want something to chew on, spices like fennel seeds, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise etc. can be quite tasty and fill the void.

Karen

Please try sugarfree chewing gum sweetened with XYLITOL. Most people never adapt to sorbitol, mannitol, and maltitol. But almost everybody can tolerate several grams of xylitol with a short adaptation period (during first week or two, start with one piece after each meal).

Xylitol inhibits decay bacteria therefore is much better for teeth than sorbitol. Xylitol has even been found to reduce ear infections in youngsters.

Xylitol is as sweet as sugar and has an exteremly low glycemic index around 10.