1. What is sorbitol?
Sorbitol is non-volatile hexavalent alcohol. It has stable chemical properties, is not easily oxidized by air, is easily soluble in water, and is not easily fermented by various microorganisms. It has a good heat resistance and does not decompose at a high temperature of 200 degrees. Sorbitol is a cool sweetness, the sweetness is 65% of that of sucrose, and the heat is very low. Sorbitol has good hygroscopicity and has a wide range of effects in food, daily chemical, pharmaceutical and other industries. Sorbitol used in food can prevent the food from drying and aging, extend the shelf life of the product, and can effectively prevent the crystallization of sugar and salt in the food, and can maintain the intensity balance of sweet, sour and bitter taste and increase the flavor of the food.
Its other names are D-Glucitol, Sorbol, D-Sorbitol. The chemical formula is C6H14O6, with the molecular weight of 182.17. Its CAS no. is 50-70-4, and the EINECS no. is 200-061-5.
Sorbitol structure :
It totally has three types: sorbitol powder, sorbitol solution non-crystalline (also known as food grade or daily cosmetic grade) and sorbitol solution crystalline (also known as vitamin c grade or pharmaceutical grade).
Sorbitol solution is also called sorbitol syrup, sorbitol 70% solution and sorbitol liquid.
2. Sorbitol manufacturing process
The sorbitol production process uses oral glucose as raw material and undergoes a series of processes such as hydrogenation, reduction, and decolorization and etc. to obtain sorbitol syrup.
Sorbitol syrup manufacturing route:
Reception of grain or roots–> Cleaning of grain or roots–> Disintegrating and wet milling–> Starch extraction–> Starch concentration–> Starch refining–> Starch liquefaction–> Hydrolysate saccharification–> Dextrose purification–> Dextrose concentration–> Dextrose preparation–> Dextrose hydrogenation–> Sorbitol purification–> Sorbitol concentration–> Sorbitol syrup
Sorbitol powder manufacturing process:
Sorbitol syrup–> Preheating material–> Negative vacuum–> More than 99% liquid–> Cooling crystallization–> Dry–> Smash–> Metrological
3. Sorbitol uses
What sorbitol is used for?
Sorbitol has a good moisturizing type, water absorption, smooth taste, and zero-calorie properties. It is widely used in the fields of food, cosmetics, medicine, and architectural coatings.
Sorbitol uses in food
Adding sorbitol to food can prevent the food from cracking and keep the food fresh and soft. Sorbitol has a lower sweetness than sucrose and is not used by certain bacteria. It is an important raw material for the production of sugar-free candies and various anti-caries foods. Because sorbitol metabolism does not cause blood sugar to rise, it can also be used as a sweetener and nutrient for diabetic food.
Sorbitol has a certain physiological activity, which can prevent the denaturation of carotenoids and edible fats and proteins. Adding sorbitol to concentrated milk can extend the shelf life and improve the color and flavor of the small intestine. Sorbitol has obvious stability and long-term stability to fish sauce the role of preservation. Sorbitol also has the same effect in jams and preserves.
Sorbitol is used as a nutritive sweetener, emulsifier, humectant, chelating agent, and stabilizer. Sorbitol is a special sweetener with a moisturizing function. It can be used in cakes. The usage amount is 5.0g/kg; in surimi and the amount used in its products is 0.5g/kg. Sorbitol can be used as a water-retaining agent in aquatic processing such as grilled fish fillets and squid shreds. The ratio of sucrose 2.1% + sorbitol 3.15% + complex phosphate 1.00% can effectively reduce the water activity of dried fish fillets and increase the activity of Ca-ATPase.
Sorbitol can also be used as a defoaming agent, used in sugar making process, brewing process, and soy product process, and used inappropriate amounts according to production needs. Sorbitol can also be used to moisturize candies, chewing gum, and raisins, and to thicken and preserve the aroma of alcoholic beverages and refreshing beverages.
Sorbitol uses in toothpaste
Sorbitol is used as excipient, moisturizer and antifreeze in toothpaste. The amount of addition can reach 25~30%, which can keep the paste lubrication, good color and taste.
Sorbitol uses in cosmetics
Sorbitol is used as a humectant in cosmetics. It is a substitute for glycerin. It has a milder moisturizing effect than glycerin and a better taste. Sorbitol can be used in combination with other humectants to achieve a synergistic effect. Sorbitol is used as an anti-drying agent in cosmetics (instead of glycerin), can enhance the emulsifier’s stretchability and lubricity, and is suitable for long-term storage; sorbitol fatty acid esters and their ethylene oxide adducts have little skin irritation The advantages are widely used in the cosmetics industry.
Sorbitol uses in pharmaceuticals
Sorbitol can be used as a raw material for the production of vitamin C, syrup, injection, and infusion medicine tablet; sorbitol as a drug dispersant, filler, cryoprotectant, anti-crystallization agent, stabilizer of traditional Chinese medicine, wetting agent, capsule plasticizer Agents, sweeteners, softening matrix, etc.
The sorbitol ester produced by nitration of sorbitol is a drug for the treatment of coronary heart disease. Sorbitol is used as a diuretic dehydrating agent to treat cerebral edema and intracranial pressure increase and treat glaucoma intraocular pressure increase. Sorbitol is also used for edema and oliguria with normal heart and kidney function.
4. Sorbitol side effects
Are sorbitol bad for you?
Sorbitol is a natural sweetener found in many stone fruits and berries. The artificial version is naturally identical. A review on sorbitol safety has been assessed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives concludes that it is not necessary to limit the dietary intake of sorbitol and related sugars. Nor has the Committee specified an “Acceptable Daily Intake” for Sorbitol.
Can sorbitol cause diarrhea?
Any sorbitol-containing foods whose consumption would add 50 grams of sorbitol to a person’s diet may have a laxative effect. Sorbitol solution is sold as a hyperosmotic laxative through pharmacies (Sorbilax). Excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Will sorbitol raise blood sugar? Can sorbitol be used by diabetics?
A possible pathway of sorbitol metabolism is via fructose and glycogen to glucose. This process is slow. In trials, no significant increase in blood sugar was observed after intake of ice cream with 35 g sorbitol. The low glycemic index explains the interest in sorbitol in diabetic foods.
Sorbitol is actually a nutritive sweetener with 2.6 calories per gram. Table sugar has 4 calories per gram. Slimming foods take advantage of this difference in calories and add high-intensity sweeteners to compensate for the lower sweetness of sorbitol.
5. Sorbitol foods (fruits)
Pepper, corn on the cob, coconut，avocado, blackberry, apple, plum, apricot, peach, pear, cherry, longan, and lychee naturally contain sorbitol.
