Possible side effects of glucose, fructose, sorbitol and xylitol in man.

It is concluded that there are no specific and dramatic side effects of glucose substitutes, apart from the increase in uric acid synthesis. All other side effects are noticed with glucose as well. The danger of lactic acidosis is not indicated, provided a normal dose of fructose or other carbohydrates is used. With respect to sorbitol and xylitol, lactic acidosis was not considered a serious side effect until now. No facts are known to establish the hepatotoxicity for fructose or for another glucose substitute. The danger of hyperglycemia is smaller with the glucose substitutes as compared to glucose. Therefore, the glucose substitutes are an alternative to glucose under certain conditions.