Do Gummy Bears Make You Poop?

Gummy bears are one of life’s simple joys. It’s practically impossible to eat just one of these chewy (seemingly innocent) treats. However, if you’ve ever had to run to the toilet after consuming a bag of gummy bears, you’re not alone.

Do gummy bears actually make you poop? A lot of people think so.

Strap yourselves in as we dive into the unexpected ingredients in gummy bears, ones that just might send you to the restroom!

Can Gummy Bears Cause Diarrhea?

Yes. Gummy bears can sometimes cause diarrhea.

The diarrhea-causing treats first appeared in 2014 after the popularization of sugar-free gummy bears. That’s because gummy bear manufacturers used maltitol as a sugar substitute.

At the time, using maltitol made perfect sense because it looks and tastes like sugar. Unfortunately, since our bodies can’t digest it, consuming too much can send you to the restroom.

Candy companies have since changed the recipe.

Today, you might find it hard to find diarrhea-causing gummy bears, unless they’re specifically made as a laxative. You’ll have to check the label for certain ingredients.

Why Gummy Bears Cause Diarrhea

Sugar-free gummy bears can cause diarrhea because of Lycasin, a sugar substitute made from maltitol.

Maltitol is a type of sugar alcohol that’s hard for our bodies to digest. Once it enters your stomach, your body sends water to your digestive tract to flush the indigestible sugar.

On top of this, your gut bacteria ferment some of the maltitol. This results in bloating and, unfortunately, uncontrollable gas.

Maltitol isn’t the only sugar alcohol found in candies. You’ll also find sorbitol, xylitol, and isomalt in chewing gum, jelly beans, and some gummy bears!

List of Gummy Bears That Make You Poop

Anyone buying sugar-free candy should be aware that some sugar substitutes can make you poop.

To avoid surprise trips to the restroom, look out for ingredients like maltitol, sorbitol, erithritol, lactitol, and xylitol. They may sometimes be written under brand names like Lycasin, Sorbo, Swerve, Litesse, or Xylosweet.

Additionally, check the label for other ingredients that may also cause diarrhea. Some gummy bears are specifically made as laxatives and dietary supplements.

1. Laxative Gummies

Laxative gummies can be recommended by doctors for relieving constipation. They contain active ingredients, like senna extract, which gently stimulate bowel movements.

Laxative gummies are easy to chew and come in a variety of flavors. They’re palatable and come in handy for clearing your bowel in preparation for a colonoscopy.

You can buy laxative gummies over the counter, but you should always consult with a doctor to prevent adverse effects.

2. Fiber Gummies

Fiber gummies are dietary supplements for increasing your daily fiber intake. They contain soluble fibers like inulin.

Fiber gummies are helpful for weight management and bowel movement regulation. They prevent constipation and promote your digestive health.

Some fiber gummies even contain prebiotics that benefit your gut bacteria. However, a few may experience bloating and gas. The gas should go away once your body adjusts to the increased fiber intake.

3. Other Gummies

Other gummies that can cause diarrhea include the following:

• Magnesium Gummies: People who take magnesium supplements may experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping. The magnesium attracts water into the intestines, leading to watery stool.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies: Apple cider vinegar can cause diarrhea when you consume it in large amounts. It can irritate your stomach lining and affect your gut bacteria.
• Vitamin C Gummies: Vitamin C gummies are delicious, but eating too much can lead to gastrointestinal issues and kidney stones!

Summary

To sum it up, gummy bears can cause diarrhea due to a number of ingredients. First, sugar-free gummies may contain maltitol, which has laxative effects. Maltitol causes your body to send more water into the digestive tract, leading to watery stool.

Aside from this, you can also find other gummy bears that can send you to the toilet. These include laxative gummies, fiber gummies, magnesium gummies, and vitamin C gummies.

So, if you don’t want to spend a couple of days in the restroom, be sure to read the label. Be cautious with sugar-free sweets, and don’t eat more than you should!