Indy51
Expert
@zand - this pretty much confirms your experience if Colas were your soft drink of choice.
Chronic intake of 4-Methylimidazole induces Hyperinsulinemia and Hypoglycaemia via Pancreatic Beta Cell Hyperplasia and Glucose Dyshomeostasis
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-35071-6.epdf?
Mouse study - but mechanism seems translatable to humans.
Caramel colours are the preferential food colouring agent globally, reaches wide age groups through
eatables. Colas, a sweetened carbonated drink are most common caramel coloured beverage and its
consumption is linked with diabetes, obesity, pancreatic cancer and other endocrine disorders. A major
by-product produced during caramelization is 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) that is detected in noteworthy
concentrations in colas and other beverages. Previous studies revealed the neurotoxic and carcinogenic
potential of 4-MEI in animals at higher doses but the effect of 4-MEI at theoretical maximum daily intake
dose on glucose homeostasis is unexplored. Here, mice treated with 4-MEI (32μg/kg bodyweight/day)
for seven weeks exhibited severe hypoglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia mediated by hyperplasia of
pancreatic beta cells and induces metabolic alterations. On combinatorial treatment, 4-MEI suppressed
the glucogenic potential of non-artificial sweeteners and promotes lipogenesis. Furthermore, increased
levels of C-peptide, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in the humans with regular intake
of 4-MEI containing beverages. In summary, 4-MEI induced pancreatic beta cell hyperplasia and leads
to disruption of glucose and lipid homeostasis. This study suggests the need for further assessment and
reconsideration of the wide usage of 4-MEI containing caramels as food additives.
Chronic intake of 4-Methylimidazole induces Hyperinsulinemia and Hypoglycaemia via Pancreatic Beta Cell Hyperplasia and Glucose Dyshomeostasis
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-35071-6.epdf?
Mouse study - but mechanism seems translatable to humans.
Caramel colours are the preferential food colouring agent globally, reaches wide age groups through
eatables. Colas, a sweetened carbonated drink are most common caramel coloured beverage and its
consumption is linked with diabetes, obesity, pancreatic cancer and other endocrine disorders. A major
by-product produced during caramelization is 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) that is detected in noteworthy
concentrations in colas and other beverages. Previous studies revealed the neurotoxic and carcinogenic
potential of 4-MEI in animals at higher doses but the effect of 4-MEI at theoretical maximum daily intake
dose on glucose homeostasis is unexplored. Here, mice treated with 4-MEI (32μg/kg bodyweight/day)
for seven weeks exhibited severe hypoglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia mediated by hyperplasia of
pancreatic beta cells and induces metabolic alterations. On combinatorial treatment, 4-MEI suppressed
the glucogenic potential of non-artificial sweeteners and promotes lipogenesis. Furthermore, increased
levels of C-peptide, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in the humans with regular intake
of 4-MEI containing beverages. In summary, 4-MEI induced pancreatic beta cell hyperplasia and leads
to disruption of glucose and lipid homeostasis. This study suggests the need for further assessment and
reconsideration of the wide usage of 4-MEI containing caramels as food additives.