Are All Sugars Created Equally? New Research Says 'No'

Two separate studies came out this week discussing the health implications of different types of sweeteners in the foods we eat. A July 15 study by The Endocrine Society looked at a variety of sweeteners and their possible impacts on childhood puberty. A University of Colorado Boulder Study was published on July 14 in the Journal of Applied Physiology, and it looked at the potential negative health impacts of the sweetener, erythritol.

Are Sweeteners Accelerating Puberty?

In the July 15 study by The Endocrine Society, researchers looked at whether natural and artificial sweeteners could cause central precocious puberty—a type of early onset puberty that can lead to emotional distress, shorter adult height, and increased risk of future health risks. 

In previous findings, researchers found a link between puberty and sweeteners, as they directly influence hormones and gut bacteria. In this new study, researchers gathered data from 1,407 teens, giving them assessments, taking urine samples, medical exams, hormone levels, and scans.

"Sucralose consumption was linked to a higher risk of central precocious puberty in boys and consumption of glycyrrhizin, sucralose and added sugars was associated with a higher risk of central precocious puberty in girls," according to the report.

Those with certain genetic traits are more prone to early puberty. The study findings suggest that screening for certain genetic risks could be advantageous, as well as reducing the intake of specific sweeteners in children.

What research says about Erythritol 

Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder expanded upon previous findings that the sweetener erythritol was associated with stroke risk. The researchers treated human cells with about the same amount of erythritol that you’d find in a typical sugar-free beverage, they focused on the cells that line blood vessels in the brain.

The treated cells expressed less nitric oxid (a relaxing and widening molecule) and more endothelin-1 (a protein causing constriction). The treated cells also showed other findings, like a blunted t-Pa response when thrombin was introduced and more free radicals. The researchers noted they only used a single serving of erythritol and still got these findings. For those who consume multiple servings a day, the impact could be much worse. 

Are All Sugars Created Equally? Final Thoughts

All sugars are not created equally. As you can see in the research discussed here, some have possible health risks for everyone, and others have heightened health risks for certain groups.

Even if a sweetener is generally considered "safe," you have to make sure your body can tolerate it without any allergic or sensitivity reaction. Before considering a permanent change to any of these trendy new sweeteners, try a small amount first before purchasing a long-term supply.