While the basic metabolic processing of conventional sugar remains consistent throughout life, older people show a greater preference for sweetness. According to a study, higher sucrose consumption is associated with symptoms of depression in older people. Higher sucrose intake is also associated with increased risk of chronic diseases and cognitive decline. Sucrose can also interact with certain medications.
How Sugar Processing Changes With Age
Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin sensitivity generally declines with age due to decreased physical activity, increased visceral fat, chronic low-grade inflammation, and changes in insulin signaling pathways. As a result, cells respond less effectively to insulin, making older adults more susceptible to post-meal glucose spikes.
Muscle vs. Fat
Muscle mass declines with age, and the body’s capacity to absorb and store glucose as glycogen is reduced. Fat mass, particularly visceral fat, also increases with aging. Visceral adipose tissue releases inflammatory cytokines that worsen insulin resistance.
Recovery Gap
Blood glucose levels typically return to baseline relatively quickly in younger individuals. This recovery period is often prolonged in older adults. Reduced insulin sensitivity and impaired pancreatic beta-cell responsiveness are linked with slower glucose clearance.
Glycation
Glycation is a process in which excess glucose binds to proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids, leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Higher lifetime glucose exposure and reduced clearance mechanisms lead to AGE accumulation.
Health Risks Specific to Seniors
Digestive Sensitivity
Decreases in digestive enzymes and changes in gut motility can make the digestive tract more sensitive. Many sugar-free products are sweetened with sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol. The small intestine poorly absorbs these compounds, drawing water into the colon, which can lead to bloating, gas, and osmotic diarrhea.
Gut Microbiome
Nonnutritive sweeteners like Saccharin, Sucralose, and Aspartame may alter the composition and function of vital gut bacteria that play a critical role in immune function and nutrient absorption. Altered gut bacteria due to these specific old-school sugar substitutes might increase glucose intolerance, worsening insulin resistance.
Cardiovascular Concerns
Heart health is a primary medical focus for many seniors, and some conventional sugar substitutes have come under intense scrutiny. Higher levels of erythritol are linked to an increased risk of blood clotting, stroke, and heart attack.
People on Medication
Some sugar substitutes can actively interfere with the daily medication regimen of seniors.
- Sugar alcohols such as Sorbitol and Xylitol can speed up digestion, which moves oral medications through the small intestine too quickly, preventing the body from absorbing the intended dose.
- Seniors on insulin or sulfonylureas who want to replace traditional sugar with modern substitutes may have to adjust medication, as this can lead to dangerously low blood sugar.
- Some sweeteners, such as acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), contain potassium, which can be a concern for seniors on ACE inhibitors.
Choosing the Right Sweetener
Natural Plant-Based Sweeteners
While stevia and monk fruit do not affect blood sugar or insulin levels, many brands mix them with Erythritol. Seniors with heart health concerns or sensitive digestion should use “pure” versions of these sweeteners.
Unlike other natural plant-based sweeteners, allulose is a rare sugar that can be used safely. It offers the taste, texture, and cooking and baking properties of traditional sugar with health benefits for people of all ages.
Allulose can help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce fatty liver, and improve cholesterol metabolism by lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.
Synthetic or Artificial Sweeteners
Widely available artificial sweeteners are increasingly linked to disruption of the gut microbiome. Seniors considering these sweeteners should use them sparingly and monitor for any changes in their cognitive clarity or digestion.
Sugar Alcohols (The “-itols”)
People of all ages should consume sugar alcohols in moderation, as they can potentially cause osmotic diarrhea. Jaca Sugar is a 100% pure allulose sweetener backed by 30 years of clinical data. When compared with other sweeteners, Jaca allulose emerges as a safer and healthier alternative.
FAQ
Can sugar substitutes make my medications less effective?
Sugar alcohols such as Sorbitol can act as laxatives and speed up the transit of food through the digestive tract. The human body may not absorb the intended dose if the medication moves through the small intestine too quickly.
I’m on blood thinners; do I need to worry about sugar substitutes?
Recent clinical studies suggest that Erythritol may increase platelet “stickiness” and the risk of blood clotting.
Is it safer to use “natural” sweeteners like Stevia instead of artificial ones?
Natural options such as stevia and monk fruit do not spike insulin. However, many stevia products are often bulked with sugar alcohols that can cause GI distress. Pure allulose is the best option, as it is not linked to digestive or cardiovascular risks.