Sorbitol, gut bacteria and glucose intolerance in mice
What it found
In mice, four weeks of sorbitol by stomach tube changed the mix of gut bacteria and led to poorer blood sugar control in an oral glucose tolerance test.
Short-term feeding raised insulin levels and lowered fasting blood sugar.
What they found
Animal and lab studies
Short-term feeding
A single dose of sorbitol by gavage significantly increased plasma insulin concentrations and decreased fasting blood glucose levels in mice.
Long-term glucose tests
After four weeks of sorbitol gavage, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test showed no significant effects, but the oral glucose tolerance test showed glucose intolerance.
Gut bacteria changes
Long-term sorbitol intake caused significant changes to the gut microbiome in mice.
Bacteria that decreased
Long-term sorbitol intake significantly decreased the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Lachnospiraceae UCG 001, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, Eubacterium ventriosum, Candidatus Arthromitus, and Ruminococcus torques.
Bacteria that increased
Long-term sorbitol intake increased the relative abundances of Helicobacter, Tyzzerella, Alistipes, and Prevotella 9.
What the authors conclude
“Long-term sorbitol consumption may change the composition of the gut microbiome and potentially induce glucose intolerance.”
Also in their conclusions
- They say that long-term sorbitol consumption may change the composition of the gut microbiome and potentially induce glucose intolerance.
How it was done
Obesity and diabetes have risen, so more people use low-calorie sweeteners. Studies have hinted that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin may have negative effects, but the possible effects of natural sweeteners on human health are still largely unknown.
Mice were given sorbitol by oral gavage, either short term or long term (four weeks). The researchers measured glucose homeostasis with oral and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, measured insulin levels, and sequenced the gut microbiome.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- These are mouse studies. They can't show what happens in people.
- The study looked at one dose pattern over four weeks, so it can't show longer-term effects.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- China Medical University, Taiwan; National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
The paper
- Title
- Long-term consumption of the sugar substitute sorbitol alters gut microbiome and induces glucose intolerance in mice
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Animals and lab studies
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Li CH, Wang CT, Lin YJ, et al (2022). Long-term consumption of the sugar substitute sorbitol alters gut microbiome and induces glucose intolerance in mice. Life sciences. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120770PubMed 35792179DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error