Why can boiled sweets made with isomalt cause stomach discomfort, and how can you avoid it? — CARAMEL Pear + Vitamin C, 55 g

Polyols, including isomalt, are partly not absorbed in the small intestine and pass into the large intestine, where they are fermented by gut bacteria. This can lead to bloating, rumbling or a laxative effect, especially if a large amount is eaten at once or if the intestines are generally sensitive to such substances.

The reaction is highly individual: some people tolerate several sweets in a row without problems, while others notice discomfort even from a small amount. Sensitivity is higher in people with irritable bowel syndrome and in those who rarely eat products containing sugar alcohols.

Practical advice: start with a small amount and watch your reaction. Do not eat large amounts of the sweets on an empty stomach. Give them to children in particularly moderate amounts, as their digestive system is more sensitive to polyols. If discomfort occurs even from a minimal amount, this is a sign that the product is not suitable for you.