Alternative sweetener sorbitol linked to liver disease

8 days ago

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Sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and sugar alcohols are often considered healthier than refined sugar, but new research challenges this.
A study published in Science Signaling reveals that sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, can have harmful effects similar to fructose.
Sorbitol can be naturally produced in the gut from glucose and converted into fructose in the liver, potentially leading to liver dysfunction.
Gut bacteria can degrade sorbitol at modest levels, but excessive consumption of glucose or sorbitol can overwhelm these bacteria.
Research suggests that avoiding both sugar and alternative sweeteners is difficult, as many foods contain multiple types of sweeteners.
The study highlights that there may be 'no free lunch' when it comes to sugar alternatives, with many leading to liver issues.

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