Sorbitol intolerance refers to a condition in which the sugar alcohol sorbitol cannot or only partly breaks down in the small intestine. Bacteria in the colon, however, metabolize it. This causes stomach aches, flatulence, nausea, fatigue, fullness, and, in some cases, diarrhea and halitosis. Since most of us are unfamiliar with sorbitol intolerance, most persons experiencing these signs mistakenly assume lactose or fructose intolerance.
Sorbitol intolerance is also a lifelong condition:
Both fruits and vegetables might aggravate symptoms. Sufferers frequently have difficulty eating low-calorie items. The disappointing news: sorbitol intolerance is incurable, just like other dietary intolerances. Sorbitol-containing foods must be avoided as part of the treatment. If you have sorbitol sensitivity, you should limit or avoid meals that contain it.
If you suspect you have sorbitol intolerance, consult a physician right away. Your physician will use a hydrogen breath test (H2 test) to determine the cause. Most people will experience symptoms if they consume any sorbitol, while others may be able to handle modest doses. The tolerance level varies from one sufferer to the next. Any dietary changes should always be under the supervision of a doctor or dietitian.
Food to Avoid
Fruits: Apricots, apples, pears, blackberries, cranberries, dates (fresh and dried), peaches, currants, cherries, yellow plums, plums, grapes, and raisins. Sorbitol is found in the highest concentrations of dried and fresh stone fruit.
Veggies: Aubergine, broccoli, fennel, ready-made salads, paprika, and red cabbage are examples of vegetables.
Beverages: Beer, wine, and fruit juice containing sorbitol, schnapps, sparkling wine, energy drinks, fruit nectar, fresh fruit juice, fruit juice drinks, “light” drinks, and soft drinks. Fruit yogurt and quark are examples of dairy products that contain fruit. Chocolate bars, gummy bears, waffles, sweets, Nutella, sweet fruit dishes, marmalade, ice cream, and peanut butter are among the sweet delights that sufferers must avoid.
Diabetic products, low-calorie diet items, and low-calorie foods may all contain high sorbitol levels and should be disregarded. In addition, bratwurst, bockwurst, salami, ham, liver sausage, smoked sausage, bacon, veal sausage, pork, and meat paste must be avoided.
And the to-do list keeps growing. Savory snacks, ice cream, flips, crisps, and nachos should all be removed from your menus, such as smoked fish, tuna in oil, sardines in oil, fried squid rings, fish fingers, and smoked eel. We’ll confess that giving up so much is difficult. But keep in mind that the dose determines the toxin. If you have a minor sorbitol sensitivity, you may be capable of consuming some of these items, but only in limited amounts.
Avert Readymade Foods
The food business employs considerable amounts of sorbitol as a transporter, humectant, and sweetener; thus, sufferers should be especially cautious with readymade meals. The company makes sorbitol from glucose contained in wheat and maize starch.
The intake of ready meals is constantly rising as more and more busy workers turn to them, implying that people’s tolerance levels are frequently exceeded. Baked foods, meat and seafood products, pastries, frozen pizzas, cider vinegar, pre-made salad dressing, and remoulade are all affected. In general, individuals should aim to stay away from any industrially prepared ready meals if feasible.
