Sorbitol

Sorbitol was discovered in 1872 by a French Chemist who was studying berries of the mountain ash. Subsequent studies showed that Sorbitol occurs naturally in a wide variety of fruits and berries, but is also manufactured synthetically from glucose. It is a sugar alcohol that the body uses slowly and is also produced in the body; however to much Sorbitol can cause damage to the cells. Sorbitol is chemically designated D-glucitol (C6H14O6). It is also known as glucitol. The Chemistry Dictionary defines it as an Apolyhydric alcohol, CH2OH (CHOH) 4CH2OH, derived from glucose. It is an isomer of mannitol, a hexitol naturally occurring in fruits and is produced commercially by the reduction of glucose. It is found in rose hips and is manufactured by the catalytic reduction of glucose with hydrogen. It is used as a sweetener in diabetic foods and in the manufacturing of Vitamin C and various cosmetics, foods, and medicines. In humans it is nontoxic and rapidly absorbed. It will either be excreted in the urine by the kidneys or metabolized to carbon dioxide and dextrose. Sorbitol is a natural sweetener, an excellent humectant, and a texturizing agent. It was once used as a diuretic and today it still has use as a laxative. It is also used in irrigating solutions for certain surgical procedures, manufacturing processes, a pharmaceutical aid, and in research. Sorbitol is available in three forms: syrup, powder, and tablet. It may even be found in toothpaste, chewing tobacco, and plasticizer in injection mouldings. The side effects of Sorbitol are nausea, gas, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. The allergic reactions of Sorbitol are rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and trouble breathing. Sorbitol would be used in the mortuary field through cosmetics and injection mouldings.