Trying the new drink from the domestic brand '○○○ Coffee' and rushing to the bathroom... What could be the reason?
Recently, a post titled "Current victims are pouring out on various online communities and SNS about the new menu of Ediya" was uploaded. Many people have reported diarrhea and stomach pain after drinking Ediya Coffee's new menu items, "Zero Sugar Iced Tea" and "Zero Sugar Ashotchu." Previously, another coffee brand, "Compose Coffee," also launched three zero-sugar beverages, but after some customers complained of stomach pain and diarrhea, they decided to suspend sales after eight days. Why do these zero-sugar drinks cause such abnormal symptoms?
It is caused by 'sugar alcohol' contained in the product. Sugar alcohol, a type of food additive, is a sweetener that produces a refreshing sweetness. As the name suggests, it is sugar converted into alcohol, and there are various types such as xylitol, maltitol, and erythritol. Sugar alcohols have lower sweetness and calorie content than sugar and are highly hygroscopic (they naturally absorb moisture from the air), so they are used in various applications. They are especially added to snacks, ice cream, and beverages, and are also used in making zero-sugar soju. There is no problem with sugar alcohol itself, but excessive intake can cause symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain. In particular, maltitol and erythritol are representative sugar alcohols found in zero-sugar drinks and are also causes of diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Ediya Coffee's new zero-sugar menu uses erythritol as a substitute sweetener. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol made by fermenting glucose, and excessive intake can cause ▲headaches ▲abdominal pain ▲diarrhea. Therefore, according to food labeling standards, products containing sugar alcohols as ingredients must indicate the type and amount of sugar alcohol used, as well as warnings such as "excessive consumption may cause diarrhea." In fact, the official Ediya Coffee website states that consuming the substitute sweetener (erythritol) in the zero-sugar iced tea menu may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea depending on the individual, and recommends that sensitive individuals opt for the regular size, and that intake should not exceed one cup per day.
Maltitol, one of the types of sugar alcohols, can also cause symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Maltitol has a lower absorption rate in the body compared to sugar and is used as a substitute sweetener. However, maltitol falls under the category of 'high FODMAP foods.' High FODMAP foods include foods rich in oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Consuming large amounts of high FODMAP foods can lead to poor absorption in the intestines, resulting in loose stools and potentially triggering irritable bowel syndrome. If you have a sensitive digestive system, it is advisable to check how much sugar alcohol is contained in a food item before consuming it.