What is the Difference Between Sorbitol and Mannitol?

Sorbitol and mannitol are both sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, which are found naturally in fruits and vegetables and can also be added to diet versions of food and drinks. They are used as artificial sweeteners due to their lower calorie content compared to sugar. However, there are some differences between the two:

1. Natural sources: Sorbitol is found naturally in fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, and peaches. Mannitol, on the other hand, occurs naturally in pineapples, olives, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
2. Sweetness: Sorbitol has only about 50% of the relative sweetness of sugar, which means twice as much is needed to achieve the same level of sweetness. Mannitol has 50-70% of the relative sweetness of sugar, requiring more to equal the sweetness of sugar.
3. Digestion: Both sorbitol and mannitol are poorly digested by many people, and their absorption into the blood is partly achieved by passive diffusion in the small intestine. However, mannitol has a tendency to linger in the intestines, often causing bloating and diarrhea. Sorbitol, while it still can cause gastrointestinal issues, has less of a tendency to do so compared to mannitol.
4. Uses: Sorbitol is often found in sugar-free ice cream, chocolate, hard and soft candies, baked goods, sugar-reduced preserves, and chewing gums. Mannitol, due to its tendency to cause gastrointestinal issues, is less commonly used in food products.

In summary, sorbitol and mannitol are both sugar alcohols with different sources, relative sweetness, and effects on digestion. While sorbitol is more commonly used in various food products, mannitol is less widely used due to its potential side effects.

Comparative Table: Sorbitol vs Mannitol

Sorbitol and mannitol are both sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, which are sweet-tasting sugar molecules used as artificial sweeteners. They are structural isomers, meaning they have the same chemical formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms. The main difference between sorbitol and mannitol is the position of the hydroxyl group on the second carbon atom.

Here is a table comparing the differences between sorbitol and mannitol:

Both sorbitol and mannitol occur naturally in fruits, vegetables, and cereals, and are used in various food applications, such as sugar-free gum. They can also be found in non-food products like toothpaste and mouthwash.