Can artificial sweetners create a "LAXATIVE" effect???

[bigjim1963]

for the last 5 days ive been in & out of the bathroom....i usually go to dunkin donuts everyday and have an iced coffee w/ creamer and equal sweetner!!!! after goin today, i hardly made it home after drinking the iced coffee...ive been taking it since june 1st, is it possible that now its causing a laxative effect on my body? if its not the "equal", than i will need to see the doctor...it could be stress too!!! I HAVE NO IDEA!!! God bless, bigjim

[Maddysmom]

Hi Jim.  I love baking with xylitol, but I do have to be careful not to eat too much at once.  It definitely can have that effect in my case anyway.  I just figured I am weird like that.  Now I did learn pretty quick not to EVER overdo it on the Russell Stover candy....  Owensmath warned me, but I had to find out the hard way!  ha ha    

[Alex Cruz]

sugar alcohols most definitely have that effect.. It even states it in some products that use it.. Im not sure about

[Amber]

I would think it might be the coffee. Chicory root is in some coffees (I think) and it can help move things along 

[mouseissue]

Hi Jim,

I'm assuming that your problem started when you began drinking iced coffee with "Equal" sweetener 5 (or 6) days ago.
If that is the case, try going a day or two without one, or the other, or both and see what happens.

Caffeine in coffee is a stimulant.
And sweeteners (like "Equal") are known to get the bowels moving (sometimes too much).