Sorbitol is not recommended for use in young children because it:

• A. Improves hydration
• B. Can cause severe diarrhea and electrolyte abnormalities.
• C. Has no sugar
• D. Is expensive

Answer: (B)

Sorbitol works as an osmotic laxative because it is poorly absorbed in the small intestine. In young children, this draws water into the bowel, producing significant watery stools. The resulting fluid loss can lead to dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities, which can be especially dangerous in infants and toddlers who have smaller fluid reserves and can deteriorate quickly. That risk makes sorbitol not recommended for use in young children.

It does not improve hydration; it worsens it by causing diarrhea. Sorbitol does contain sweetener properties (it is a sugar alcohol, not truly sugar-free), and cost is not the primary concern here, so those points don’t explain the recommendation.