In a case study published Saturday in the British Medical Journal, the German doctors disclosed that chewing too much gum containing sorbitol, "a sugar substitute that is also a laxative," may lead to chronic diarrhea leading to "potentially dangerous weight loss."
"Sorbitol consumption in large amounts can cause functional bowel complaints and considerable unintended weight loss, so the investigation of unexplained weight loss should include detailed dietary history with regard to foods containing sorbitol," the authors said in a statement as quoted by Xinhua News.
According to Dr. Herbert Lochs, professor of internal medicine at Humboldt University in Berlin and one of the authors of the report, the study was conducted involving a 21-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man.
Both experienced chronic diarrhea and lost 24.2 pounds in eight months and 48 pounds in less than a year, respectively.
The significant weight losses coupled with diarrhea and diffuse abdominal pains were blamed on the eating habits of the duo, who were found to be consuming lots of sorbitol, mainly from chewing gum.
Also called E420, sorbitol is a bulk sweetener that has the same sweetness as sugar and has been widely used in sugar-free products like chewing gum and cereals.
Medical experts say sorbitol is also poorly absorbed by small intestine, and its excessive intake causes abdominal pain.
