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Expert: - 7/4/2004


Question
Sorbitol is a sweetener-type ingredient used in some foods. It has very bad laxative effects on my body. I notice that some foods have what is called "potassium sorbate" as an ingredient. My question is: Does potassium sorbate have the same laxative effects as sorbitol? Thank you very much for your response. Al Brown

Answer
First, they are two different chemical families and chemically different.  Potasssium sorbate is used to prevent mold and bacteria growth in products.

http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/potassium_sorbate.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorbitol


USDA has evaluated its health:

www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NationalList/ TAPReviews/PotassiumSorbate37.pdf


It is even used in health products

http://www.detour23.com/generalhealth/


My google search didn't show any hits for laxative effects.  Since everyone is different, this is a question you should ask your Doctor if concerned.

Henry Boyter, Jr.
PhD Chemist

http://www.itt.edu/staff/boyter/links/index.html
The opinions expressed are those of Dr. Boyter and
are provided for informational purposes only and
should not be used as advice.  No warranty or
expression of professionalism is implied.

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Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr.

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Experience in the area
Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Experience

Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Education/Credentials
PhD, MS, BS in Chemistry

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