- Sorbitol can change into fructose in the liver.
- This change may harm the liver.
- Gary Patti leads the research team.
- The work is in Science Signaling.
- Scientists used zebrafish to follow sorbitol.
- Some gut bacteria eat sorbitol.
- If bacteria are missing, sorbitol goes to liver.
- Sugar substitutes may not always be safer.
Difficult words
- sorbitol — A type of sugar that is not real sugar.
- candy — A sweet food, like gum or sweets.
- research — Study to find out new information.
- liver — An important organ in the body.
- fructose — A type of sugar found in fruit.
- health — Condition of the body and mind.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you like candy or gum? Why?
- What do you think about sugar substitutes?
- How important is it to know about what we eat?
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