Washington University School of Medicine

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Study finds sugar substitute sorbitol converts to fructose in the liver

Home of the research team that conducted the sorbitol study

Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol in sugar-free gum, candy, and low-calorie foods, may convert into fructose once it reaches the liver. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis traced the pathway in zebrafish and found gut bacteria decide whether the compound stays harmless or becomes a liver threat.

Updated 1 hour ago

Weight-loss drugs show broad power to prevent and reduce addiction

New Capabilities

Published landmark BMJ study on GLP-1 and addiction

Drugs designed to control blood sugar and shrink waistlines may also quiet the cravings that drive addiction. A March 4 BMJ study of more than 600,000 U.S. veterans found GLP-1 users were 14 percent less likely to develop a new substance use disorder.

Updated May 30