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Are Sugar Substitutes A Culprit For Gas?

Newspaper Columns, Herb & Home Remedy Q&A May 8, 2008

Are Sugar Substitutes A Culprit For Gas? Q. You recently had a question about gas from a type 2 diabetes patient. I don't have diabetes, but I have had a similar problem.

I have found that sugar substitutes (sucralose and fructose) cause me trouble. Since this person is probably using these sugar substitutes, this could well be the problem.

A. Sugar substitutes, including sorbitol and mannitol, may be indigestible for some people and lead to gas and loose stools.

Tags: Diabetes, Gas, Indigestion, Sugar Substitutes

Reader Comments

The comments below are provided by the users of this site and not by The Peoples Pharmacy or the Graedons. Please also remember that nothing contained in this site is intended as a substitute for medical advice.

It is true about the sugar substitutes causing gas. Chewing gum is a big problem. I stay way from it. I do not use sugar substitues for many reasons.

Posted by: js | May 9, 2008 7:22 AM

I use liquid stevia as a sugar substitute and I don't believe it gives me gas.

Posted by: DL | May 9, 2008 10:10 PM

I get very painful gas after ingesting a small amount of sorbitol. Does anyone have a remedy for this?

I use Equal or Splenda which do not cause a problem, but I enjoy sugar-free cough drops that contain sobitol, and just 2 drops can cause a big problem.

Posted by: thm | May 12, 2008 10:52 PM

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

© 2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.