Sugar Free Lifesavers Diarrhea
Do Sugar-Free Lifesavers Really Cause Diarrhea? The Truth Behind the Sweetener Yes, sugar-free Lifesavers can cause diarrhea in some individuals due to the presence of sugar alcohols, specifically sorbitol, a common ingredient known for its potential laxative effects. Since the 1970s, six of these sugar-free substitutes have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, with the first being aspartame in 1974.
Sorbitol in sugar-free gum often leads to diarrhea, bloating, and cramps. Most symptoms resolve within 1-3 days after stopping intake. We present a case of IBD temporally associated with the excessive ingestion of sucralose, the primary artificial sweetener in sugar free Life Savers.
Case Description/Methods: A 65-year-old male was admitted with a one-week history of abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, and significant bloody diarrhea. Reviews of the sugar-free bears on Amazon Buzzfeed has a good roundupdescribe intense cramping, bloating, noxious farts and some of the worst imaginable diarrhea. The culprit behind sugar-free candies and their association with diarrhea lies in the artificial sweeteners used to replace sugar.
These sweeteners, such as sorbitol, maltitol, and xylitol, are commonly found in sugar-free candies due to their low-calorie content and their ability to mimic the taste of sugar. While they provide a calorie-saving solution for those with dietary restrictions or ...
