People who chew large quantities of gum could be at risk of stomach upsets and even severe weight loss according to research published in the British Medical Journal.  Eating large amounts of sweets which also contain the sweetener sorbitol could also have the same effect.

Sorbitol, also known as E420, is widely used in “sugar-free” products like chewing gum, sweets and some cereals as well as in ‘diabetic’ foods.  It can be added to foods in similar quantities to sugar but contains around a third fewer calories. Eating the equivalent of 14 or more sticks of chewing gum a day could cause severe diarrhoea and stomach problems.

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