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
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).