Health Alert: Consuming Sugar-Free Candy Could Lead to Diarrhea Hazard - Warning: Potential Diarrhea Caused by Artificial Sweeteners
In a recent report released by the Consumer Advice Centre Hamburg, it has been revealed that certain sugar-free candies can cause diarrhea. The centre tested 16 bars, gummies, and other sweets sweetened with sugar substitutes like maltitol and sorbitol.
Both maltitol and sorbitol are sugar alcohols that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea when consumed in excess. The safe consumption limit to avoid these laxative effects is generally around 10-15 grams per day.
For sorbitol, doses above about 10 grams often cause diarrhea in many people, while for maltitol, similar thresholds apply. People sensitive to FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols) should be especially cautious, as sorbitol and maltitol are polyols and known to exacerbate symptoms including diarrhea.
Jana Fischer of the Consumer Advice Centre explained that even small amounts of sugar-free sweets could trigger diarrhea in sensitive individuals. She also noted that the warning "can have a laxative effect with excessive consumption" is mandatory when the content of sugar substitutes exceeds 10 percent. However, the warning labels on some sugar-free sweets may not be clear or helpful regarding the diarrhea risk.
In the tested products, a sample of 16 sugar-free sweets had a content of sugar substitutes exceeding 10 percent. For instance, in some bars, consuming half would reach the critical value for diarrhea risk. Surprisingly, De Bron's wine gums contain three pieces that could exceed the critical value.
Moreover, the sugar-free mint candies Tictac Two Fresh & Mild Spearmint Flavor consist almost entirely of sorbitol, at 97 percent.
The diarrhea risk could occur with as little as 10 grams of maltitol or sorbitol per serving. However, no one would consider the amounts of sugar-free candies that can cause diarrhea as excessive consumption, explained Jana Fischer.
Only two fruit gum packages clearly indicate the number of pieces that can be eaten without diarrhea risk, with a limit of five pieces each. The Consumer Advice Centre continues to highlight the potential risks associated with sugar-free sweets.
It is advisable to keep the total daily intake of these sugar alcohols below approximately 10-15 grams to avoid diarrhea. Individual tolerance may vary, so starting with lower amounts and monitoring your response is recommended.
The Consumer Advice Centre Hamburg has not specified which other sugar-free candies have high sugar alcohol content in this report. Nonetheless, the report serves as a reminder for consumers to be mindful of their sugar-free candy consumption, especially those containing maltitol and sorbitol.
For individuals who are sensitive to FODMAPs, consuming sugar-free candies with high sugar alcohol content like maltitol and sorbitol could potentially trigger diarrhea, even in small quantities. It's essential to check the nutritional information and be aware that some sugar-free mint candies, such as Tictac Two Fresh & Mild Spearmint Flavor, may have a high sorbitol content.
