Is E420 Bad for You? A Look at Sorbitol's Safety and Side Effects

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA, E420, commonly known as sorbitol, is generally considered safe for consumption. However, the key to understanding if E420 is bad for you lies in moderation, as excessive amounts can lead to significant gastrointestinal discomfort and other adverse effects.

Quick Summary

E420, or sorbitol, is a widely used sugar alcohol and bulk sweetener that provides a low-calorie sweet taste and retains moisture in foods. In large doses, it can cause digestive upset like bloating and diarrhea, and is also used as a laxative. It is safe for most people in moderate amounts, but caution is advised for sensitive individuals and those with specific health conditions.

Key Points

Moderate Amounts Are Safe: E420 (sorbitol) has been approved as a safe food additive by international health authorities for moderate consumption.
Excess Can Cause Digestive Upset: The primary risk is gastrointestinal discomfort, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea, which occurs when too much is consumed.
Used as a Laxative: Because it draws water into the intestines, sorbitol is also intentionally used as a medication for constipation.
Low Calorie and Diabetic Friendly: It offers a low-calorie sweetness and is suitable for diabetic products as it causes a minimal blood sugar response.
Tolerance Varies Greatly: Individual sensitivity determines the amount of sorbitol that can be consumed without experiencing side effects.
Naturally Occurs in Fruits: Sorbitol is not solely a synthetic additive; it is naturally found in many fruits like apples, pears, and plums.
Labeling is Required: Foods with high sorbitol content must carry a warning label about potential laxative effects.

What is E420 (Sorbitol)?

E420 is the European code for sorbitol, a sugar alcohol (or polyol) found naturally in fruits like apples and pears and also produced commercially. It's used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, known for its sweetness (about 60% of table sugar) and ability to retain moisture.

The Functions of Sorbitol in Food Products

Sorbitol serves several roles in food manufacturing:

Sweetener: Offers sweetness with fewer calories than sugar, making it suitable for sugar-free and diet products.
Humectant: Helps keep foods moist and extends shelf life by binding water.
Texturizer: Provides a smooth texture in products like frozen desserts.
Dental Health: Does not contribute to tooth decay, often used in sugar-free gum.

Potential Health Effects and Side Effects of E420

While deemed safe by health organizations, the primary concern with E420 is its impact on the digestive system, particularly in high amounts.

Gastrointestinal Distress: Common side effects include bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This is because it is poorly absorbed, leading to fermentation by gut bacteria and a laxative effect.
Laxative Effect: Sorbitol is used as an osmotic laxative to promote bowel movements. Products exceeding 50 grams per serving must carry a warning label.
Diabetic Concerns: Although used in diabetic products due to minimal blood sugar impact, uncontrolled diabetics may accumulate excess sorbitol in cells, potentially contributing to long-term issues.
Allergic Reactions: Rare allergic reactions like itching or hives can occur.

Long-Term Safety and Regulatory Status

Global regulatory bodies, including the FDA and EFSA, consider sorbitol safe. The JECFA has given it a high safety rating, not requiring a specific Acceptable Daily Intake. Labeling is required for products with potential laxative effects.

E420 (Sorbitol) vs. Other Sweeteners

Comparing sorbitol to other sweeteners is helpful for dietary choices.


Feature	E420 (Sorbitol)	Sucrose (Table Sugar)	Erythritol (E968)
Sweetness Level	~60% of sucrose	100%	~70% of sucrose
Caloric Value	~2.6 kcal/g	~4.0 kcal/g	~0.2 kcal/g
Gastrointestinal Effects	High consumption causes bloating, gas, and diarrhea	Generally none, but large amounts of sugar can affect gut health	Generally well-tolerated, less likely to cause digestive issues than sorbitol
Glycemic Index	Low; minimal effect on blood sugar	High; causes a significant spike in blood sugar	Zero
Dental Impact	Non-cariogenic; doesn't cause cavities	Contributes to tooth decay	Non-cariogenic; does not cause cavities

Conclusion

E420 is generally safe in moderation, offering benefits like fewer calories and minimal blood sugar impact. However, excessive intake can cause digestive discomfort, and individual tolerance varies. Those with sensitivities or uncontrolled diabetes should be cautious. Being mindful of consumption and consulting a healthcare professional for concerns is recommended.

For more information on sugar alcohols, reputable sources like Healthline can provide valuable insights.

The Verdict on E420: A Balanced Perspective

E420 (sorbitol) is considered safe by food safety authorities, with the main issue being the laxative effect from excessive intake due to poor absorption. Moderate consumption is generally safe, but sensitivity varies.

Key Factors When Considering E420

The amount consumed is crucial for determining potential issues.

Small to moderate amounts are typically well-tolerated.

Individuals with digestive conditions like IBS may be more sensitive.

Diabetics with poor control should be mindful of high consumption.

Products with high sorbitol content require laxative warning labels.

FAQs

Question: What exactly is E420? Answer: E420 is the European code for sorbitol, a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener and humectant, found naturally in some fruits and produced commercially.

Question: Why does E420 cause diarrhea? Answer: It acts as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the large intestine due to poor absorption, especially in large amounts.

Question: Is E420 safe for diabetics? Answer: Generally yes, as it has minimal impact on blood sugar. However, diabetics with poorly controlled blood sugar should be cautious of potential accumulation.

Question: What kinds of foods contain E420? Answer: It's common in sugar-free gums, candies, baked goods, and diet products, as well as naturally in fruits like prunes and apples.

Question: Is E420 an artificial or natural sweetener? Answer: Sorbitol can be natural (in fruits) or synthetic (from glucose). It's a sugar alcohol, not classified as an artificial sweetener like aspartame.

Question: How much E420 is too much? Answer: Tolerance varies, but the FDA requires a laxative warning for doses over 50 grams, and sensitive individuals may react to 10-20 grams.

Question: Are there any serious health risks associated with E420? Answer: While generally safe, excessive long-term intake or sensitivity can pose a risk. Allergic reactions are rare. The most common risk is digestive discomfort from overconsumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

E420 is the European food additive code for sorbitol, a sugar alcohol or polyol that is used as a low-calorie bulk sweetener, humectant, and texturizer in many food products, and occurs naturally in some fruits.

It acts as an osmotic laxative. The body poorly absorbs sorbitol in the small intestine, and the unabsorbed portion draws water into the large intestine, which leads to loose stools and can cause diarrhea, especially when consumed in large quantities.

Yes, E420 is considered safe for most people with diabetes because it is absorbed slowly and does not cause a significant rise in blood glucose levels. However, diabetics with poorly controlled blood sugar should be cautious of potential sorbitol accumulation in cells.

E420 is commonly found in sugar-free gums, candies, chocolates, baked goods, frozen desserts, and dietary products. It is also naturally present in fruits like prunes, apples, and cherries.

Sorbitol can be both natural and synthetic. It occurs naturally in fruits but is commercially produced from glucose, often derived from corn starch. Because it is a sugar alcohol, it is not considered an artificial sweetener in the same category as aspartame or sucralose.

Tolerance varies by individual, but doses above 50 grams per day are required by the FDA to have a laxative warning, and some sensitive individuals may experience symptoms with as little as 10-20 grams.

While generally safe, excessive long-term intake, particularly in sensitive individuals or those with certain medical conditions, could pose a risk. Rare cases of allergic reactions can also occur. The most common risk is digestive discomfort from overconsumption.