Intestine-derived sorbitol drives steatotic liver disease in the absence of gut bacteria

bacterial strains rescued the steatotic liver phenotype. Conversely, exogenous administration of high concentrations of sorbitol phenocopied gut microbiota depletion and induced hepatic steatosis. Together, these findings show that sorbitol-degrading bacteria in the gut protect against steatotic liver disease and suggest that excessive intake of dietary sorbitol may pose a risk for the development of MASLD.