Sorbitol and Apple Sensitivity: Understanding the Connection

Question
I'm doing research on the possible reasons behind, and a cure for, my inability to eat raw apples. I ate apples without problems as a child. Since college (over 15 years ago) raw apple (as little as a half an apple) causes me extreme discomfort, gas pain, and diarhea. I did a bit of research online that suggested maybe sorbitol is the culprit. This is interesting because I stopped eating sugar-free ice cream containing sorbitol because is had similar effects. Is sorbitol a possible cause? Is there anything I can take OTC or do that will decrease the symptoms? I love apples and I want to enjoy them again. I live in Utah, but have lived all over the U.S. Thank you for any help you can provide. JG

Answer
Hi J Greven,
As you have probably have already found out, Sorbitol is a breakdown product of sorbose and glucose-both sugars. Sorbitol is used in medicine as a cathartic due to its osmotic action of drawing water into the bwel and aiding in the elimination of stool. It can cause abdominal bloating, gas and generalized discomfort. It is possible that as your gut evolved, it wasn't able to handle this chemical any longer. Unfortunately, I do not know of any product that can eliminate or reverse this problem. Avoidence is often the only choice in these cases----similar to avoidence of wheat products in patients with Celiac Disease.