What is sorbitol? Uses for health and appropriate dosage

Sorbitol is known for its role as a sweetener instead of sugar in confectionery and beverage products, especially suitable for diabetics. Not only that, sorbitol also has many health benefits. Today, let’s go with Tnhelearning.edu.vn to find out what sorbitol is, its uses, usage and dosage!

What is sorbitol?

Sorbitol (or glucitol) is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste. Sorbitol can be obtained by reducing glucose, changing the converted aldehyde group into the primary alcohol group.

This compound is made from potato starch , but can also be separated and extracted in fruits such as apples, peaches, apricots, pears, etc. Currently, in industry, sorbitol is mainly produced. weakened by hydrogenation of glucose.

Sorbitol is used very widely in our life. In food, medicine, cosmetics and biology, sorbitol plays a very important role.

Sorbitol (or glucitol) is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste

The benefits of sorbitol

Low in calories, can be substituted for sugar

In 1g of sorbitol contains only 2.6 calories, while 1g of sugar contains 4g of calories. Therefore, in the production of confectionery and beverages, sorbitol is used as a substitute for traditional sugar to reduce the calorie content.

Along with low calories and slow absorption of sorbitol by the body, this compound is also used as a sweetener for patients with diabetes.

Sorbitol is widely used in daily life, especially in medicine

Reduces the risk of tooth decay

Sorbitol has the ability to fight the metabolism of oral bacteria – bacteria that break down starches and sugars to release acids, which can erode tooth enamel or cause tooth decay.

Make a laxative

Sorbitol is classified as an osmotic laxative by increasing the secretion of cholecystokinin – pancreazymin to promote intestinal motility. Therefore, the drug is used to treat constipation, digestive disorders and indigestion.

Other uses

Sorbitol is a sweetener in some plasticizers or chewable tablets for gelatin in capsule shells, replacing glucose in providing energy, flavoring cosmetics, moisturizing toothpaste, …

How to use sorbitol safely?

How to use

To use sorbitol safely and without unwanted side effects, read the instructions carefully before use.

Each dosage form of sorbitol will have a different use, specifically:

• Oral powder: Mix 1 pack of sorbitol (5g) in about 1/2 cup of water (70 – 120ml) and drink immediately after mixing.
• Rectal gel: Open the cap of the tube and insert the tip into the rectum, then squeeze the medicine in the tube into the rectum until the end. When taking out the tube, if the medicine has not been fully squeezed, repeat this operation. In particular, when using this gel drug, the patient should lie down so that the anus is raised, limiting the drug to flow out.
• Liquid medicine: Dilute with filtered water at a ratio of 1:1 and drink immediately after mixing.

To use sorbitol safely, read the instructions carefully before using

Dosage

Depending on the dosage form and each purpose of use will have different dosages. You should read the instructions of the medicine carefully and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking it. The dosage below is for reference only:

• Treatment of indigestion: Take 1-3 sachets of sorbitol (5g) per day, before meals or when there are signs of indigestion.
• Treatment of constipation: Take 1 pack of sorbitol (5g) in the morning before meals.
• Treatment of constipation due to rectal area: Use 1 tube of sorbitol 50% daily, use it about 5 – 20 minutes before defecation.

For people with colon disease, the dose should be reduced

In particular, children under 12 years of age should use the drug at half the dose of adults. However, you should consult your doctor before giving this medicine to a child.

Read the instructions for use and dosage carefully and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking sorbitol

Side effects of using sorbitol

Taking too much sorbitol can cause bloating, diarrhea, dehydration, dry mouth, etc. In addition, there are some other less common side effects such as nausea, abdominal cramps, stomach cramps and irritation. anal area.

Side effects of using sorbitol

Don’t forget to tell your doctor right away if these side effects get worse and last longer!

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to sorbitol are very rare and may include: dizziness, difficulty breathing, rash, itching, swelling (face, tongue, throat). However, if you are allergic to the drug, get to the hospital quickly for diagnosis and treatment.

Interactions when using sorbitol

Sorbitol is less likely to cause serious interactions with other medications , but there is still a risk of it. In particular, you should be careful when taking sorbitol with some of the following drugs:

• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate: This combination may increase the risk of side effects from sorbitol, even potentially colonic necrosis.
• Deflazacort: Sorbitol interacts with deflazacort which may decrease serum potassium.
• Dichlorphenamide: Increases sorbitol toxicity by pharmacodynamic synergies. In addition, they can cause metabolic acidosis.
• Lamivudine: Sorbitol will reduce the effect of lamivudine when used concurrently.

Besides, when using sorbitol, you should also be careful if it is combined with other stool softeners or laxatives because this can cause dehydration, increase symptoms of diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, etc. ..

Sorbitol is less likely to cause serious interactions with other medications, but there is a risk of it

Above are the sharing of Tnhelearning.edu.vn about problems related to sorbitol as well as its uses and dosage. Hopefully with this article, you can pocket useful knowledge. Thanks for watching!

Source: Vinmec

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