What did the study by Gary Patti find about sorbitol?

Gary Patti's study found that sorbitol can be converted to fructose in the liver, potentially causing harm similar to fructose.

How do gut bacteria affect sorbitol metabolism?

Certain gut bacteria ferment sorbitol, breaking it down. If these bacteria are absent, sorbitol can reach the liver.

Are sugar alcohols like sorbitol safe for people with diabetes?

Recent findings suggest potential risks, as sorbitol may lead to liver fat accumulation, raising questions about their safety for metabolic disorders.

Home / Health / Sugar Alcohol Sorbitol Harms Liver, Study Warns

Sugar Alcohol Sorbitol Harms Liver, Study Warns

23 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Sorbitol, an artificial sweetener, can be converted to fructose in the liver.
Gut bacteria play a crucial role in processing sorbitol effectively.
High sorbitol intake may lead to fat accumulation in the liver.

A recent study published in Science Signaling indicates that artificial sweeteners, specifically sugar alcohol sorbitol, can negatively impact the liver and other organs. Researchers discovered that sorbitol is metabolically close to fructose and can be converted into it within the liver, a process previously linked to cancer cell growth and fatty liver disease.

The study utilized zebrafish to demonstrate that sorbitol can be naturally produced in the body. Enzymes in the gut convert glucose into sorbitol, which is then transported to the liver. The presence and activity of specific gut bacteria are crucial for fermenting sorbitol. If these beneficial microbes are lacking or inactive, sorbitol is passed to the liver, contributing to fat buildup.