Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used in many products, such as candy and diet foods. Researchers found that when sorbitol enters the liver, it turns into fructose. This conversion can lead to liver problems.
The study found that the liver can create fructose from sorbitol, especially when there is a lot of glucose in the diet. Fructose is linked to several health issues, including liver disease.
Gut bacteria help break down sorbitol. However, if there is too much sorbitol, it can overwhelm the bacteria, leading to more fructose in the liver.
Difficult words
- sorbitol — A type of sugar used in food products.
- conversion — Changing one substance into another.
- fructose — A type of sugar found in many foods.
- liver — An important organ that processes substances in the body.the liver
- bacteria — Tiny living things that can help or harm health.
- health — The state of being free from illness.
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Discussion questions
- What other foods might contain sorbitol?
- How can you reduce fructose intake?
- Why is it important to understand how sugar alcohols work?
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