Sugar-free gum may cause illness, weight loss

An article in this month's BMJ highlights 2 cases in Germany where patients who chewed an excessive amount of sugar-free gum containing sorbitol—a widely used artificial sweetener with laxative properties—suffered diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Both patients underwent many tests before physicians made the connection. After the patients stopped consuming products containing the sweetener symptoms disappeared.

"According to one physician at the hospital’s Department of Gastroenterology, five to 20 grams of sorbitol can cause bloating and cramps, and more than 20 grams can cause diarrhea and rapid weight loss; an average stick of chewing gum has 1.25 grams of sorbitol." Retreived 1/17/08 www. advisory.com

To see the full article:
Bauditz, J., Norman, K., Biering, H., Lochs, H., Pirlich, M. (2008) Severe weight loss caused by chewing gum. BMJ 2008;336:96-97. doi:10.1136/bmj.39280.657350.BE