Sorbitol

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=  **Sorbitol** =



__What is Sorbitol?__ Sorbitol is a naturally occurring ingredient in fruit but can also be made in a lab by reducing glucose (2). It is an artificial sweetener, and is used in many diet foods. It is 60 percent as sweet as sucrose but has 1/3 fewer calories (3). __Why is it in our food?__ Sorbitol is most commonly used as a sugar substitute, but is also used in laxatives and cosmetic products. It is used in diet foods because the body digests it faster. Sorbitol is used as a sweetener, and because it is not sugar, it is safe for diabetics (2). __What Properties Does it Have?__ Sorbitol is a white crystalline odorless powder. Its boiling point is 563 degrees Fahrenheit, and its melting point is 230 degrees Fahrenheit. Sorbitol should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight (2). __What is Good and Bad About Sorbitol?__ There are many pros to using sorbitol as a sugar alternative. First of all, it has fewer calories than sugar, but does not cause tooth decay. However, even in small doses sorbitol can lead to bloating and irritable bowel syndrome. When too much sorbitol is ingested, it can lead to severe diarrhea (1). __What Does the Name Tell us About the Characteristics of Sorbitol?__  By looking at the name, you can tell that sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. When a chemical ends in ol, it means that it is an alcohol. So, as you can see, Sorbit//**ol**// is a sugar alcohol (4).

__What Kinds of Atoms are in Sorbitol?__ Carbon- 21  Hydrogen- 24  Nitrogen- 1  Oxygen- 1  <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Chloride- 2 <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">__What Food has Sorbitol in it?__ <span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> Sorbitol is naturally found in some fruits, such as apples, pears and peaches. Since it is used as a sugar substitute, it is used in many sugar free products.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">__ Works Cited __ <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">"Sorbitol-OralSide Effects, Medical Uses, and Drug Interactions." <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">// MedicineNet // <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.medicinenet.com/sorbitol- oral/article.htm>. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">"Sorbitol Official FDA Information, Side Effects and Uses." <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">// Drugs.com // <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.drugs.com/pro/sorbitol.html>. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> "What Is Sorbitol?" // Wisegeek //. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sorbitol.htm>. "A Brief Introduction to Organic Chemistry." //Chem Files.// Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.files.chem.vt.edu/RVGS/ACT/notes/Organic.html>.