osmotic diarrhea, a form of diarrhea associated with water retention in the bowel resulting from an accumulation of nonabsorbable water-soluble substances. An excessive intake of hexitols, sorbitol, and mannitol (used as sugar substitutes in candies, chewing gum, and dietetic foods) can result in slow absorption and rapid small intestine motility, leading to osmotic diarrhea. It may also occur in infants if they intake an undiluted concentrated form of formula. The severity of the condition varies directly with the amount of such sugar substitutes consumed and diminishes when intake is reduced. Also called chewing gum diarrhea, dietetic food diarrhea.
