I was able to find a little more information about the sugar alcohols
mannitol and sorbitol. The primary side effect seems to be that if they
are ingested in large enough quantities (the source didn't say how much)
that they can cause diarrhea. I agree with Arly, in moderation they are
probably OK (my opinion, not based on massive scientific research!). If I
come across anything else, I'll let you know.
Debi VanderMey, MS, RD, LD
Portland, Oregon