Sorbitol vs. Potassium Sorbate: Laxative Effects & Differences

Question
Sorbitol is a sweetener-type ingredient used in some foods. It has very bad laxative effects on my body. I notice that some foods have what is called "potassium sorbate" as an ingredient. My question is: Does potassium sorbate have the same laxative effects as sorbitol? Thank you very much for your response. Al Brown

Answer
Good question. Actually the sorbitol is both an artificial sweetener and an osmotic laxative that pulls fluid into the bowel so your reaction is very common. Potassium sorbate is a preservative and not a laxative or a sweetener but does have a slight sweet taste. It is used to kill the yeast in wines and breads and prevent fermentation of foods. OK?