A new study led by Dr. Stanley Hazen has shed light on the potential risks associated with erythritol, a widely used artificial sweetener in low-carb dietary products. The research suggests that consuming high amounts of erythritol could increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Erythritol is often touted as a harmless sugar substitute, but Dr. Hazen’s study found that it can cause a significant spike in blood clot formation in healthy individuals. This is concerning news for those who consume high amounts of erythritol, particularly those at high cardiovascular risk.
The study, published in the journal Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, involved healthy volunteers who consumed erythritol at levels typically found in “sugarless” foods and drinks. The results showed a staggering increase in blood erythritol levels to over 1,000 times the baseline, accompanied by a significant increase in blood clot formation.
This is not an isolated finding. A previous study published last year revealed that cardiac patients with high erythritol levels were twice as likely to experience a major cardiac event within three years.
Experts are urging caution, emphasizing the need for more research, especially long-term studies, to fully understand the cardiovascular safety of erythritol and other sugar substitutes. The similarities between erythritol and xylitol, another popular artificial sweetener, suggest that the risks may not be exclusive to erythritol.
As Dr. Hazen concludes, “Cardiovascular disease builds over time, and heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. We need to make sure that the foods we eat aren’t secretly contributing to this crisis.” The discussion around these products goes beyond personal choices; it has broader implications for public health.
In light of these findings, it’s essential to reconsider the advice given by professional societies and clinicians, which often recommends consuming sugar substitutes instead of sugar. As the research continues to unfold, it’s crucial to prioritize caution and consider the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on our health.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/