Sorbitol sweetener linked to liver disease
Sorbitol, a common sugar substitute, may not be as harmless as thought, new research suggests.
Why it matters
- Sorbitol, found in zero-calorie candies and some fruits, can contribute to liver disease.
- Challenges the assumption that alternative sweeteners are healthier than refined sugar.
By the numbers
- Fructose, which sorbitol can convert into, affects 30% of adults worldwide with liver disease.
- Experiments conducted on zebrafish showed sorbitol's harmful effects.
The big picture
- Sorbitol can be naturally produced in the gut from glucose after eating.
- Gut bacteria can clear sorbitol at modest levels, but excessive consumption can overwhelm this process.
- The study builds on previous research showing the harmful effects of fructose on the liver.
What they're saying
- Skepticism about applying zebrafish findings to humans.
- High sorbitol levels can cause diarrhea, potentially limiting harm.
- Some prefer natural sugars like turbinado sugar.
Caveats
- Study conducted on zebrafish, not humans.
- Effects depend on gut bacteria and consumption levels.
- High sorbitol intake can cause diarrhea, which might limit its harmful effects.
What’s next
- More research is needed to understand how gut bacteria clear sorbitol.
- Further studies could explore the specific mechanisms of sorbitol conversion to fructose in humans.