Sorbitol, chemically it is a kind of glycerol, is a sugar alcohol that the human body metabolizes gradually. It is readily obtained by reduction of glucose by changing the aldehyde group into a hydroxyl group. It is naturally abundant and it was discovered by a French chemist in the berries of the mountain ash. Sorbitol is referred to as a nutritive sweetener because it provides dietary energy. It is often used in diet foods, mints, cough syrups, and sugar-free chewing gum. Sorbitol often is used in mouthwash and toothpaste.