Study Suggests Sorbitol Sweetener May Contribute to Liver Disease Risk
A recent study conducted by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with sorbitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener. The study, published in Science Signaling, suggests that sorbitol may contribute to the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) under certain conditions. Sorbitol is widely used in sugar-free products such as candies, chewing gum, and protein bars, and is also found naturally in some fruits and vegetables. The research indicates that sorbitol can be converted into fructose in the liver, particularly when gut bacteria that typically degrade sorbitol are absent or overwhelmed. This conversion process can lead to fat accumulation in the liver, a characteristic of steatotic liver disease. The study utilized zebrafish models to explore how dietary glucose and sorbitol are processed, revealing that excessive intake of sorbitol or elevated glucose levels may over... 
