E420

E420 is the food additive code for sorbitol, a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener, humectant, and texture modifier in a range of products. Sorbitol occurs naturally in fruits and is manufactured commercially by hydrogenation of glucose. It is typically sold as a crystalline powder, granules, or syrup and has a sweetness roughly 60% that of sucrose. It is hygroscopic and slowly absorbed in the small intestine, contributing fewer calories than sugar in some contexts.

Sorbitol is widely used in the food industry, especially in sugar-free and reduced-sugar products. It is common in candies, chewing gums, baked goods, beverages, and pharmaceutical syrups. It also serves as a humectant to retain moisture in products and as a stabilizer or binder in tablets. Beyond foods, sorbitol is used in toothpaste, cosmetics, and some personal care products for its sweetening and moisture-retaining properties.

Regulatory status and safety: In the European Union, E420 is approved as a food additive. Regulatory bodies have not established a numerical acceptable daily intake for sorbitol; instead, use is governed by general good manufacturing practices. Sorbitol can have a laxative effect and cause gastrointestinal discomfort when consumed in large amounts, particularly in individuals with reduced intestinal absorptive capacity or sorbitol intolerance. People with known sorbitol malabsorption should limit intake, and products containing sorbitol often carry labeling about potential laxative effects. Sorbitol also has a relatively low impact on blood glucose compared with glucose, but it still contributes carbohydrates to the diet.