Warning over severe weight loss caused by chewing gum

Citation

(2008), "Warning over severe weight loss caused by chewing gum", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 38 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2008.01738cab.033

Warning over severe weight loss caused by chewing gum

Article Type: Food Facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 38, Issue 3.

In a recent BMJ, doctors warn of excess sorbitol intake, a widely used sweetener in "sugar-free" products such as chewing gum and sweets. Sorbitol has laxative properties and is poorly absorbed by the small intestine. Their advice follows the cases of two patients with chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain and severe weight loss. Although extensive investigations were carried out, final diagnosis was only established after detailed analysis of eating habits.

On questioning, both patients admitted consuming substantial amounts of sugar-free gum and sweets. After both patients started a sorbitol free diet, diarrhoea subsided, normal bowel movements resumed and weight gain was achieved. As possible side effects are usually found only within the small print on foods containing sorbitol, consumers may be unaware of its laxative effects and fail to recognise a link with their gastrointestinal problems, write the authors.

In conclusion, they say, our cases demonstrate that sorbitol consumption can cause not only chronic diarrhoea and functional bowel complaints but also considerable unintended weight loss (about 20 per cent of usual body weight). Thus, the investigation of unexplained weight loss should include detailed dietary history with regard to foods containing sorbitol.