⚠️ Safety Verdict: Safe But May Cause Digestive Issues
E420 (Sorbitol) is safe for most people in small amounts, but has a well-documented laxative effect. Consuming more than 10-20g can cause bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhoea. People with IBS should avoid it as it's a high-FODMAP ingredient.
💨 Warning: Laxative Effect
Products containing more than 10% sorbitol must display the warning: "Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects"
Even smaller amounts can cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.
What is E420 (Sorbitol)?
E420 is Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol (polyol) that occurs naturally in some fruits but is usually manufactured commercially.
Key facts:
- 60% as sweet as sugar but fewer calories (2.6 cal/g vs 4 cal/g)
- Low glycaemic impact – doesn't spike blood sugar like regular sugar
- Poorly absorbed – only ~25% absorbed in small intestine
- Found naturally in apples, pears, prunes, peaches
Why it's used:
- Sugar-free products – provides sweetness without sugar
- Diabetic foods – lower blood sugar impact
- Prevents crystallisation – keeps products moist
- Doesn't cause tooth decay – bacteria can't use it
Where is E420 Found?
Food Products:
- Sugar-free sweets and mints
- Sugar-free chewing gum
- Diet drinks and squash
- Sugar-free chocolate
- Diabetic foods
- Protein bars and diet foods
- Cough syrups and medicines
- Dried fruits (added to prevent drying)
Non-Food Products:
- Toothpaste and mouthwash
- Cosmetics (moisturising agent)
- Pharmaceutical products
Health Concerns
1. Laxative Effect (Very Common)
Sorbitol is poorly absorbed in the intestines:
- Draws water into intestines (osmotic effect)
- Fermented by gut bacteria – produces gas
- 10-20g can cause symptoms in most people
- 50g causes diarrhoea in nearly everyone
Common symptoms:
- Bloating
- Gas and flatulence
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
💡 The "Sugar-Free Gummy Bear" Effect
You may have seen viral Amazon reviews for sugar-free gummy bears describing severe digestive distress. These products often contain large amounts of sorbitol or maltitol – eating a whole bag can cause hours of gastrointestinal misery!
2. IBS and FODMAP Concerns
Sorbitol is a high-FODMAP ingredient:
- FODMAP = Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols
- Triggers IBS symptoms in many sufferers
- Low-FODMAP diets eliminate sorbitol
- Can worsen IBD symptoms (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
3. Fructose Malabsorption
People with fructose malabsorption often also react to sorbitol:
- Both use similar absorption pathways
- Can worsen fructose malabsorption symptoms
Benefits of Sorbitol
- ✅ Doesn't cause tooth decay – dental-friendly
- ✅ Low glycaemic index – suitable for diabetics in moderation
- ✅ Fewer calories than sugar
- ✅ Naturally occurring in many fruits
Safe Consumption Limits
- Most people: Up to 10-20g per day without issues
- Sensitive individuals: May react to smaller amounts
- IBS sufferers: Best to avoid entirely
- No official ADI – considered safe, but laxative effect limits practical intake
Regulatory Status
UK/EU: Approved with no ADI limit, but laxative warning required above 10%
US: FDA approved
Status: Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS)
Who Should Avoid E420?
🚫 Avoid or Limit:
- IBS sufferers – high-FODMAP, triggers symptoms
- People with fructose malabsorption
- Those prone to digestive issues
- Anyone eating large amounts of sugar-free products
✅ Generally Fine:
- Most people in small amounts (few pieces of sugar-free gum)
- Diabetics looking for sugar alternatives (in moderation)
The Bottom Line
- ✅ Safe for most people in small amounts
- ⚠️ Laxative effect at higher doses (10-20g+)
- 🚫 Avoid if you have IBS – high-FODMAP
- ✅ Dental-friendly – doesn't cause cavities
- ✅ Diabetic-friendly – low glycaemic impact
- ⚠️ Sugar-free doesn't mean unlimited – digestive consequences!
Our recommendation: Sorbitol is safe but respect its laxative effect. A few pieces of sugar-free gum are fine, but don't eat a whole bag of sugar-free sweets! If you have IBS or digestive issues, check labels carefully and consider avoiding sorbitol entirely.
🔍 Scan for E420 with NutraSafe
Instantly identify sorbitol and all sugar alcohols in your food.
Download NutraSafe Free
Last updated: February 2026