Effect of the Natural Sweeteners Erythritol and Xylitol on Vascular Function in Obese Volunteers

Effect of the Natural Sweeteners Erythritol and Xylitol on Vascular Function in Obese Volunteers: A Pilot Study

Sugar alcohols such as xylitol and erythritol are increasingly popular as sugar substitutes in the food industry and are also recommended to diabetic patients. Both substances are already in use in the food industry and are freely available. Since the 1970s, beneficial effects on oral health could be demonstrated as oral bacteria were influenced positively. A pilot study recently undertaken in the US (Flint N, 2014) has shown that diabetics profit from a daily intake of erythritol, as this natural sweetener enhances the elasticity of the blood vessels. In this trial, investigators aim to examine whether this effect can be found in a non-diabetic but obese cohort, and whether also xylitol improves vascular function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Obese volunteers (BMI > 30kg/m2)
• Aged 18- max. 55 years
• Otherwise healthy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Smoking and drug abuse
• Arterial hypertension with antihypertensive treatment
• Dyslipidaemia with statin therapy
• Known chronic hepatic disease (NASH, hepatitis).
• Known renal disease: kidney failure
• Pregnancy
• Chronical diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, history of gastrointestinal surgery with major changes to the gastrointestinal tract
• Substance abuse, alcohol abuse.
• Inability to follow procedures due to psychological disorders, dementia or insufficient knowledge of project language (German).