Artificial Sweeteners
A report, from F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, Feb. 28, 2023, and my comments.
Our approach to the problem of foodstuff over-consumption is counterproductive: we have assumed that dietary sugars are responsible for obesity and thereby, should be blamed for the entire cascade of illnesses and disabilities which obesity produces.
Nothing could be further from the truth: the entire subject needs to be reviewed: we can, and we must, apply some logic to this vexing question.
By way of an “opening salvo”, here is a minimally-altered report by F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, Feb. 28, 2023. Note that this is not my usual “blog” format, in which my comments are my own words. The reasons for my doing it this way are as follows:
– The “body” of Dr. Wilson’s report is already succinct: my paraphrasing of the entire paper would detract from his message, while gaining little in terms of brevity.
– His diagrams and their explanation are instructive and important.
– His words, framing a statement by one whose kudos clearly exceeds my own, are more likely to be taken seriously and it is important that this message reaches as many people as possible.
Layout of this post:
The first section (A) is my paraphrase of Dr. Wilson’s opening segment.
The 2nd section (B) is a direct quote, from the body of Dr. Wilson’s report.
The 3rd section (C) is my “take” on overeating, obesity and the disease cascade which results from over-consumption of foodstuffs and a “BOTTOM LINE” (C), in which I propose a solution to the entire “sweetener” conundrum.
(A)
The artificial sweetener, ERYTHRITOL, tradename “zerose”, is a sugar substitute derived from corn. It is also found in many fruits, including peaches, pears and watermelons (our bodies make some, too). It is used in many food products, including chocolate, chewing gum, beverages, baked goods and other items.
A recent article warns us of the dangers of erythritol, noting a survey in the USA, which showed the following consumption of erythritol among the population surveyed (Fig1).
Figure 1: Who uses the artificial sweetener, erythritol?
“Sugar Substitute Linked to Heart Disease”, was written by F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE and published on 2/20/23. I have paraphrased it and removed two statistical diagrams, to make this note shorter and more easily understood, for my readers.
