Khaberni - A study warned that consuming a certain type of sweeteners could increase the risk of liver diseases. Researchers from Washington University found that sorbitol, a sugar alcohol used as a substitute for sugar in many products and added to some sugar-free soft drinks, could increase the risk of fatty liver disease.
The products that use sorbitol include: sugar-free gum, low-sugar candy, ice cream, sweets, and some low-calorie fruit drinks.
According to "Daily Mail", fatty liver disease is a condition in which dangerous fats accumulate in the liver, causing inflammation and scarring, and even liver failure.
Role of gut bacteria
In the new study, laboratory tests found that sorbitol, used as a sugar substitute due to its low calories, is naturally produced in the intestines when glucose levels are high, but is usually removed by healthy gut bacteria.
However, when these bacteria are removed, which is common among humans taking certain medications, sorbitol moves to the liver, where it accelerates the accumulation of fats. This occurs because sorbitol is converted to fructose, which in turn is converted to fats.
The scientists stated in their research: "These combined findings show that the sorbitol-degrading bacteria in the intestines protect against fatty liver disease".
This suggests that excessive intake of dietary sorbitol poses a risk of developing fatty liver disease".
Fatty liver disease can also occur due to overweight or obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, or high blood lipid levels.
Symptoms of fatty liver disease
The disease does not always cause symptoms, and doctors say most cases are undiagnosed. Some warning signs may include abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness, and severe fatigue or weakness.
Other symptoms include: nausea, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, and swelling in the abdomen, legs, feet, or hands.
Without treatment, the condition can progress to scarring in the liver, which can lead to its failure, although reaching this stage may take years.
