The effects of sorbitol on the gastrointestinal microflora in rats.

The influence of dietary sorbitol on the quantity and quality of faecal microflora was studied in Wistar albino rats. The animals were gradually adapted to 20% dietary sorbitol or sucrose and faecal samples were analyzed for the numbers of major bacteria. No major changes in the numbers of total aerobic or anaerobic bacteria, aerobic streptococci and yeasts were observed after sorbitol feeding but sucrose appeared to decrease the total aerobes and anaerobes in the faeces. However, sorbitol feeding caused a clear shift in the rat faecal microbial population from gram-negative to gram-positive bacteria. All animals were capable of adapting to 20% dietary sorbitol or sucrose and withstood sorbitol treatment without problems.