Description
What is Sorbitol?
Sorbitol is also known as glucitol. It is a form of sugar alcohol with a sweet taste. Naturally, it is a sugar alcohol commonly found in plants and fruits like the berries, raspberries, strawberries, even apples and apricots. It can also be made synthetically.
It is known as one of the significant products of the process of photosynthesis; it serves as a storage molecule in many plant families. Biologically, it plays a crucial role in osmotic regulation. The osmotic adjustment in cell cytoplasmic functions. Helping the plant involved cope with different abiotic stresses.
Sorbitol contains only about a third of the calories in natural sugar, and it is only 60% sweet. Sorbitol was first discovered in the fresh juice of mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) in 1872, and the plant has to be at the forefront of use as food sweeteners ever since.
The substance has found much use for commercial purposes. It is the most commonly used polyol in the united states, where it is used in packaged beverages and foods to provide sweetness, moisture, and texture retention.
Applications of Sorbitol
Sorbitol is beneficial for oral health. They do not contribute to the formation of oral cavities. The act of chewing which stimulates the formation of saliva and the inherent non-cariogenic properties are the main reason sorbitol and other sugar alcohols are used in the manufacture of sugar-free chewing gums.
It also functions to help with weight loss by reducing the calories intakes in everyday food products like chocolates, snack bars, and hard candies. It is utilized in soft drinks and beverages to improve the flavour, impact sweetness and provide mouth feel.
The Benefits of Sorbitol
Sorbitol is used as a replacement for corn and cane sugars in both maple and waffle syrup. It is useful in the preparation of cocktail bases. It is a substance which is capable of being used to encapsulate the flavours used in both canned and beverage bases.
Sorbitol considerably used in toothpaste production. Glycerin was initially used before sorbitol was introduced for this purpose. It also provides plasticizing ability and stability in hard conditions.
