What is Sorbitol?

Sorbitol is also known as glucitol. It is a form of sugar alcohol with a sweet taste. It is a sugar alcohol commonly found in plants and fruits like berries, raspberries, strawberries, and even apples and apricots. It can also be made synthetically. It is known as one of the significant products 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 is only 60% sweet. Sorbitol was first discovered in the fresh juice of mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) in 1872, and the plant has been at the forefront of use as a food sweetener 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 and Benefits 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 reasons sorbitol and other sugar alcohols are used to manufacture sugar-free chewing gums. It also functions to help with weight loss by reducing the calorie intake in everyday food products like chocolates, snack bars, and hard candies. It is utilised in soft drinks and beverages to improve the flavour, impact sweetness and provide a mouth feel. Sorbitol is used as a replacement for corn and cane sugars in both maple and waffle syrup. It is helpful in the preparation of cocktail bases. It is a substance capable of encapsulating the flavours used in canned and beverage bases. Sorbitol is considerably used in toothpaste production. Glycerin was initially used for this purpose before sorbitol was introduced. It also provides plasticising ability and stability in challenging conditions.