Forget Cutting Sugar—New Tech Makes It Healthier Instead

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses new technologies being developed to reduce the harmful effects of sugar in food and beverages, without completely eliminating sugar. It covers various approaches, including:

• An enzyme that can convert sugar into fiber, reducing sugar absorption
• Microscopic sponges that can soak up sugar in the stomach
• Physically altering sugar crystals to make them dissolve faster and taste sweeter

The article also discusses the challenges food companies face in reducing sugar content, as well as regulatory efforts to limit added sugar in food products.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Reducing Sugar's Harmful Effects

1. What is the goal of the enzyme developed by the Wyss Institute? The goal of the enzyme developed by the Wyss Institute is to reduce the amount of sugar absorbed from food by 30%, by converting the sugar into fiber.

2. How does the enzyme work? The enzyme is encased in edible nanoparticles made of pectin. When the nanoparticles reach the intestine, a change in pH causes them to expand, releasing the enzyme to convert the sugar into fiber.

3. What are the benefits of converting sugar to fiber? Converting sugar to fiber is beneficial because most Americans do not get enough fiber in their diet. The fiber produced by the enzyme can help improve gut health.

4. What are the challenges in commercializing the enzyme product? The main challenges are producing the enzyme in large quantities and at low cost. Currently, the enzyme is 100 times more expensive than raw sugar.

[02] Other Sugar Reduction Approaches

1. What is Biolumen's Monch Monch product? Monch Monch is a drink mix made of microscopic fibrous sponges that are designed to soak up sugar in the stomach, preventing it from reaching the bloodstream.

2. How does Monch Monch work? At mealtime, consumers can blend a teaspoon of Monch Monch into their drinks. The sponges then swell in the stomach and sequester the sugar, which is either broken down by gut bacteria or excreted.

3. What are some concerns about Monch Monch? Some people have raised concerns about potential gastrointestinal side effects like bloating or diarrhea, but clinical trials have not shown any such issues.

4. What other sugar reduction approaches are mentioned? Other approaches include using natural sweeteners like allulose and physically altering sugar crystals to make them dissolve faster and taste sweeter.