Laxative Effect of Sorbitol

Abstract

The laxative effect of sorbitol was compared with the control glucose at a dosage level of 25 g. a day for 86 subjects; observations included the number of motions, and incidence of wind and of discomfort or pain. Discomfort and marked laxation were experienced by five subjects, two of these failing to complete the test. The remainder showed no significant difference from the glucose control with the exception of a slight tendency to wind after ingesting sorbitol. No known diabetics were allowed to participate in the tests. © 1958, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.