Sorbitol water absorption

Figure 19.4 shows the water absorption characteristics of several sweeteners. Sorbitol and fructose are very hygroscopic, while other sugars absorb water only at higher relative humidities. Chemical reactions of sugars were covered in detail in Chapter 4. Only those reactions important from a technological viewpoint will be emphasized here. 

Sorbitol is also used as a laxative because it is poorly absorbed by the small intestine and may produce an osmotic diarrhea. Worth mentioning is its power of water absorption, which brings some water to the intestine, causing these problems (Hyams, 1982). 

Thermoplastic starches find use mainly in water soluble compostable foams, expanded trays, shape molded parts, and expanded layers as a replacement for polystyrene. TPS products with different viscosity, water solubility, and water absorption have been prepared by altering the moisture/plasticizer content, amylose/amylopectin ratio of raw material, and the temperature and pressure in the extruder (Mohanty et al, 2000). Several studies have focused on the plasticization of TPS using glycerol (Forssell et al, 1997), sorbitol (Gaudin et al, 1999), urea, formamide (Ma et al, 2004), dimethyl sulfoxide (Nakamura and Tobolsky, 1967), and low molecular weight sugars (Kalichevsky et al, 1993). Plasticizers can increase the flexibility and processibility of TPS. 

In order to reduce absorption of 1,3-DNB or 1,3,5-TNB following inhalation exposure, patients should be moved to fresh air (HSDB 1994). Following recent ingestion of a substantial amount of either chemical, emesis may be indicated unless the patient is obtunded, comatose, or convulsing (HSDB 1994). Administration of a charcoal slurry, aqueous or mixed with saline cathartic or sorbitol, has also been recommended (HSDB 1994). Following dermal exposure, it is recommended that the exposed area be washed extremely thoroughly with soap and water (HSDB 1994). Eye contamination should be treated by irrigating with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes (HSDB 1994). 

Formulae have been assembled for multi-vitamin syrup and multi-vitamin drops [190, 191] using polysorbate 80 to solubilize vitamin A palmitate and vitamin D with glycerin as co-solubilizer, enabling a high concentration of drug to be given per dose. The solubilizer serves the extra purpose of allowing the preparations to be diluted into water or milk for paediatric administration. The sorbitol, primarily added to enhance the taste of the preparation, but which increases the absorption of vitamin Bj2, obviously also acts as a co-solubilizer [192]. A similar preparation is described by Whittet and Cummins [193]. 

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