Chemistry

Molecular formula: C6H14O6

Molecular weight: 182.17

Solubility: 2.2 g. per mL water

Safety

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has determined the "Laxative Threshold Value" (LTV) for a number of polyols, and sorbitol is one of the more laxative polyols with an LTV of 23 grams per meal. The FDA requires the following label statement for foods whose reasonably foreseeable consumption may result in the daily ingestion of 50 grams of sorbitol: "Excess consumption may have a laxative effect."

See my essay "Polyols--Digestive Issues" for a discussion of the potential gastrointestinal effects of polyol consumption.