Sugar substitutes include the two categories:
*Artificial sweeteners
*Sugar alcohols
Important sugar substitutes are the sugar alcohols, sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol and to certain extent, fructose. Sorbitol is a sugar that’s neither digested nor absorbed by the human gut.
It reaches the large intestine, where it is acted upon by gut bacteria and yeast, encouraging them to overgrow. Gas, bloating, intestinal, cramps and diarrhea are the natural consequence.
Sugar substitutes are used as sugar free beverages, candy cookies or puddings. It can cause stomach upset and osmotic diarrhea.
Osmotic diarrhea occurs when substances are not absorbed into the blood stream and remain in the intestine, causing too much water to remain in the stool.
However, most sugar substitutes are low in calories and can be useful in lowering caloric intake.
Sugar substitute and diarrhea
