Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Sorbitol is formed by so-called “catalytic hydrogenation” from glucose. It is converted to fructose in the body by the enzyme sorbitol dehydrogenase.
In sorbitol intolerance, the absorption (uptake) of the sugar alcohol sorbitol in the small intestine is partially or completely impaired, so that even small amounts of sorbitol can no longer be absorbed. Normally, sorbitol passes through the wall of the small intestine into the blood and is transported to the liver, where it is converted to glucose or fructose.
Due to the impaired absorption capacity, sorbitol now enters the colon (large intestine) and leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain (abdominal pain), meteorism (flatulence), and diarrhea (diarrhea) due to its osmotic effect, which means water is pulled out of the cells of the intestine and the stool becomes more liquid, as well as bacterial degradation of the intestinal flora.
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Genetic burden from parents, grandparents (under discussion).
