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SweetenerINS 420
E420
Sorbitol
What you need to know
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) — a bulk sweetener with fewer calories than sugar that doesn't feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
It is the base of most sugar-free chewing gums.
Its only well-known effect is digestive: in large amounts polyols draw water into the gut, so labels must warn that excess consumption can have a laxative effect.
Where it stands, by region
The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.
| 🇦🇺AU / NZ | Approved Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code). |
| 🇪🇺EU | Approved Permitted (EFSA). |
| 🇺🇸US | Approved Permitted (FDA). |
| 🇨🇦CA | Approved Permitted (Health Canada). |
Health evidence
How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.
Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Laxative effect in excess
Suspected
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown
D-glucitol, produced by hydrogenation of glucose. JECFA ADI 'not specified'. Mandatory laxative-effect labelling above ~10% polyols.
Synthesis: Synthetic (sugar-derived)ADI Not specified (acceptable)