Sorbitol
E420
E420, E420(i), E420(ii), E420i, E420ii, INS 420(i), INS 420(ii), sorbitol, sorbitol syrup, D-glucitol, D-glucitol syrup, jarabe de sorbitol
What it is
Sorbitol (INS 420(i)) and sorbitol syrup (INS 420(ii)) are polyols used as bulk sweeteners, humectants and texturising ingredients. Sorbitol also occurs naturally in many fruits, including prunes, pears, apples and peaches.
Why BOTIA flags it
Sorbitol replaces both the sweetness and the bulk of sugar. It also occurs naturally in fruits like prunes, pears, apples and peaches — and its high concentration in prunes is one reason they can have a laxative effect. Little of it is absorbed: the rest draws water into the gut and is fermented, so larger amounts loosen stools. JECFA assigned an ADI “not specified”.
BOTIA CAN
- Detect E420, E420(i), E420(ii), INS 420(i), INS 420(ii), sorbitol, sorbitol syrup and D-glucitol when explicitly declared.
- Explain that sorbitol provides sweetness and bulk, occurs naturally in common fruits, and can have a laxative effect because absorption is incomplete.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Determine how much sorbitol is present from the ingredient list alone.
- Quantify how much sorbitol comes naturally from fruit ingredients versus separately added sorbitol, or predict an individual's digestive response.