Sweeteners, Glycemic Control, and Gut Microbiota in Obese individuals

This study aimed to investigate whether the regular intake of erythritol or xylitol influences glucose tolerance, metabolomic profile, and gut microbiota composition in non-diabetic, obese patients. Sixty-four obese volunteers were randomized into three groups: erythritol, xylitol, and control, receiving daily sweeteners over seven weeks. Although no immediate effects on fasting glucose, insulin, or glucose tolerance were observed, sweeteners significantly impacted medium-term glycemic control, as measured by fructosamine levels. Gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles correlated with individual glycemic responses, with lipid and carnitine metabolites playing a key role. The findings highlight how the microbiome modulates glycemic responses to sweeteners.