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Washington University researchers warn of sorbit health risks
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified potential health risks associated with sorbit, a sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free products. A study published in Science Signaling suggests that under specific conditions, sorbit can be converted in the liver into fructose-1-phosphate.
This conversion activates metabolic pathways that promote the accumulation of fat and glycogen in the liver. Using zebrafish as a model, researchers observed that animals with a significantly reduced gut microbiome developed fatty liver within one week of consuming sorbit.
The study highlights the role of gut bacteria, specifically those of the genus Aeromonas, which typically break down sorbit into harmless byproducts. When these bacteria are lacking, more undigested sorbit reaches the liver, potentially triggering harmful metabolic effects similar to those of fructose.
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- [○ 1 SOURCE] In zebrafish with reduced gut flora, sorbit consumption led to fatty liver development within one week. www.heftig.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sorbit can be converted into fructose-1-phosphate in the liver under certain conditions. www.heftig.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Aeromonas bacteria in the gut can break down sorbit into harmless byproducts. www.heftig.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sorbit conversion promotes metabolic processes that contribute to the accumulation of fat and glycogen in the liver. www.heftig.de