Is Potassium Sorbate Low FODMAP? (How To Know!)

Have you ever asked yourself if Potassium Sorbate Low FODMAP is? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

If you’re struggling with IBS or SIBO, your dietician or doctor may have advised you to follow a FODMAP diet plan. While undertaking this diet, it’s essential to know which foods to avoid and which foods are okay to reintroduce to prevent flare-ups of your GI symptoms. 

Some food preservatives like potassium sorbate can concern patients with gut hypersensitivities like IBS or SIBO.

So, is potassium sorbate a high or low FODMAP food? Potassium sorbate has not been tested for FODMAPs, but it is generally believed to be low FODMAP. The FDA recognizes potassium sorbate as generally safe when used appropriately. If you have concerns over specific food preservatives on your FODMAP diet plan, discuss these with your doctor or dietician. 

Though potassium sorbate is likely a low FODMAP food, what about it can cause concern? What is potassium sorbate, and how do food preservatives affect people with IBS? If you’re curious to find these answers, keep reading! 

What is potassium sorbate?

Potassium sorbate is a synthetically produced salt widely used in food preservation and cosmetic products. It’s a popular choice as a food additive because it is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. 

Potassium sorbate is an excellent preservative, preventing the growth of mold, fungi, and yeast to extend the shelf life of food products. It was first discovered in the 

Though some are skeptical of food preservatives, their safety and efficacy have been extensively researched in the past 50 years. The FDA and EFSA regard potassium sorbate as safe when used appropriately. 

Read Also: Is Dark Chocolate Low Fodmap (IBS, Lindt, Hershey, Dove, Cocoa Powder)

Potassium sorbate was first discovered by the French in the 1850s when the compound was derived from berries in the mountain ash tree. Today, it is synthesized from sorbic acid and potassium hydroxide. 

Why is potassium sorbate believed to be low FODMAP?

Though many food preservatives have not been explicitly tested for FODMAPs, they are generally believed to be low FODMAP, with some exceptions – further details below! 

Potassium sorbate is present as a food preservative in very small quantities and is therefore unlikely to cause GI upset. In fact, adverse reactions to potassium sorbate are more likely when using cosmetic products containing the preservative than through ingestion.

Even then, the EWG rates potassium sorbate as a low-risk skin allergen.

Potassium sorbate also does not accumulate in the body.

What is the safe daily amount of potassium sorbate?

The EFSA set the acceptable daily intake of potassium sorbate as 3mg/kg per day in 2015. the maximum daily intake is 25mg/kg per day. 

These daily maximums were based on animal research models. In these studies, rats were fed 300mg/kg per day of potassium sorbate with no observable adverse effects. However, the EFSA set the acceptable daily intake for humans at 100 times lower as an additional precaution. 

Which products contain potassium sorbate?

Potassium sorbate is a popular preservative found in many food products, including:

• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Cheese
• Apple cider
• Yogurt
• Wine
• Soft drinks
• Dried meats and fruits
• Baked goods

Potassium sorbate can also be used in cosmetics like eyeshadow. Additionally, you can find potassium sorbate in personal care items like shampoo, moisturizer, and contact lens solutions. 

On the animal side, potassium sorbate is approved for use as a preservative in canned cat and dog foods as well as other animal feed.

Which food additives cause GI upset in people with IBS/SIBO?

Many food additives have not been studied explicitly in people with IBS, but a few are known to cause GI problems. 

These problematic additives are sugar polyols, which are widely used as sweeteners in foods. Some of the most popularly used sugar polyols include:

• Sorbitol
• Mannitol
• Isomalt
• Xylitol
• Maltitol
• Lactitol 

Sugar polyols are also sometimes used for pharmaceutical purposes in certain medicines. If you are concerned about avoiding sugar polyols in your medications, talk to your pharmacist to discuss your options!

Read Also: Are Tocopherols Low Fodmap (Alpha Tocopherol – The Truth!)

Not all sugar polyols cause GI symptoms, though! Even in people with IBS/SIBO, glycerol is easily absorbed in the small intestine and does not cause gut side effects. 

How do sugar polyols affect gut health?

The above sugar polyols are known for their laxative effects, which can be demonstrated even in people without IBS. So what causes these properties?

Problematic sugar polyols cause extra water to be pulled into the gut, resulting in softer stools or diarrhea. These polyols can also be poorly absorbed in the small intestine.

However, when they make it to the large intestine, they are consumed by your gut bacteria. Once digested by your gut microbiome, uncomfortable or painful bloating can result from gas production.

However, everyone with IBS will tolerate these sugar polyols differently. Depending on your symptoms, you may even find the laxative properties of sugar polyols helpful!

So, whatever you choose to eat, be sure to consult your doctor or dietician, especially in the early stages of your FODMAP diet. 

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/potassium-sorbate